Earning a living wage is a cornerstone of success for individuals released from prison. A living wage is a legal means to secure housing and transportation, pay off obligations to courts and victims, access ongoing treatment for substance abuse and mental health needs, and support themselves and their families. This increases the likelihood that an individual can remain crime free while improving the safety of Kansas communities.

KDOC residents who gain a livable wage job upon release are one-third less likely to return to prison.

• KDOC estimates 98% of current residents serving a prison sentence in Kansas will return to the community.

• Over 6,000 persons release from Kansas prisons in a typical year.

• Individuals on post release supervision struggle to find and sustain employment. On June 30, 2020, 37% of males (n=2,021) and 37% of females (n=267) on post release supervision were employed

• KDOC-sponsored research on Kansas prison residents found that a resident’s ability to earn a living wage upon release was improved by:

• Completion of a GED: 6% increase.
• Completion of one or more certification course: 8% increase
• Completion of one college course: 20% increase.
• Holding an industry job six months or longer while incarcerated: 25% increase.

Employers

If you are an employer interested in hiring KDOC residents, email KDOC_CareerCampus@ks.gov
 or call 785-296-3317.

Three Stories

In early 2020, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly visited three private industries that employ KDOC residents. Interviews with the Governor, business owners and residents illustrate the life-changing opportunities these experiences have for residents, and the impact on both the Kansas economy and employers looking for skilled employees.

CSG

CSG + KDOC from Trevor Mowry on Vimeo.

Seat King

KDOC + Seat King from Trevor Mowry on Vimeo.

MAICO

KDOC + Maico from Trevor Mowry on Vimeo.