Hi Nina,
I think you will find a significant amount of information concerning the Federal Bonding Program by clicking on the URL provided below:
http://www.bonds4jobs.com/
Phone inquires can be made via 1 800 233-2258
I beleive the tax credit you are referring to is the Work Oppertunity Tax Credit. Information about this program can be found at the URL provided below:
http://www.uses.doleta.gov/wotcdata.cfm
You will also find additional information about both programs below.
The Federal Bonding Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor and is intended to alleviate many of the concerns employers have in hiring ex-offenders and other high-risk persons. The program pro-vides fidelity bonds ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 that protect employers from work theft or dishonesty. Because most commercial policies do not cover “at-risk” persons such as ex-offenders, the Federal Bonding program gives employers insurance coverage that might not otherwise be available and helps alleviate any concerns they may have about hiring ex-offenders.
In 34 states and the District of Columbia, the bonds are purchased by government agencies, one-stop career centers, or non-profit agencies and provided to employers at no cost. The survey results indicated that this tool is not likely to be employed by parole agencies. Only 6 percent reported that they provided this service directly and 37 percent reported that they did not provide the service at all. In comparison with other services, this tool appears to be underutilized.
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) provides employers with financial incentives for hiring targeted groups of job seekers, reducing income tax liability by as much as $2,400 for every qualified new worker. Ex-felons belonging to low-income families qualify for the credit.
The WOTC is a powerful tool for securing the attention of employers who are reluctant to hire former prisoners because of concerns of trustworthiness. It can be used as a marketing tool or employed directly by the job seeker during the hiring process. As with the Federal Bonding Program, the WOTC is not likely to be used directly by parole agencies. Only 12.5 percent of responding agencies reported that they marketed the WOTC directly. More than 21 percent reported that this tool was used through contracts with vendors and 59.4 percent reported that it was used via referral to other agencies. Given its potential value in the job search process, it is advisable for all parole officers to become familiar with the Work Opportunity Tax Credit’s requirements and benefits. It is also advisable for parole officers to provide information and guidance about the tax credit to the persons under their supervision.
Regards and good luck,
Richard Morris, OWDS