From prison to community: The role of educational and training programs in the community reintegration of individuals in conditional release

In Portugal, educational and training programs (ETPs) for incarcerated individuals are key measures to support their community reintegration. However, empirical evidence on their effectiveness in promoting community reintegration remains limited. This study aims to examine the relationship between attending and/or completing ETPs during imprisonment and postrelease employment, as well as to identify other factors associated with postrelease professional reintegration. A sample of 264 individuals under conditional release completed a sociodemographic and juridical–penal questionnaire. Results indicated that a substantial proportion of participants attended and completed ETPs while incarcerated. However, no significant association was found between ETPs’ participation or completion and employment after release. Instead, younger age and prior employment before incarceration were positively associated with postrelease employment. Although ETPs appear to enhance skills and knowledge, their content must be more closely aligned with the current demands of the community labor market to increase their practical impact on reintegration outcomes.