Offender Employment

Employment programs for Ex-Felons in Illinois?

ex-felonswifey — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 20:04:14 GMT

Can anyone out there please help us? My husband was released from prison in April of 2006 from the Vienna Correctional Center in Illinois. We live in DuPage County and we'd like to move to Will County soon. It has been extremely hard for him to find a job. All we want to do is move on with our lives and eventually buy a house of our own for our two children to grow up in. We are 36 years old. Does anyone know of any programs, grants, or employers that will hire ex-felons in our area? We are so desperate to live a normal life again!!!! It seems like all of the programs and grants are only geared to people who live in Cook County. Please respond as soon as possible.

Thank you!!

an ex-felon's wifey

employement

viraj — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:44:49 GMT

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Sex Offender Employment

Matt Lucas — Thu, 17 May 2007 17:31:54 GMT

Hope everyone is doing well. My name is Matt Lucas and I am the Employment Programs Coordinator with Suffolk County Probation here on LI, NY and recent OWDS graduate from New Mexico. I wanted to start a discussion regarding the employment of Sex Offenders (SO), particulary focussing on getting ideas for Home Based employment. We are all aware of the special challenges that present themselves when working with this population, so I was looking for some innovative ideas that would keep them gainfully employed, while also meeting the Probation and Public Safety concerns that are present.

Here is Suffolk County, many of the SO's are on our GPS system as well as having strict limitations as to the type of workplaces they can be employed at as well as the location of those workplaces. Throw in the added restrictions of limited computer access, and the options for employment are even more limited.

My thought on this would be to have an option for them to work from their home location on projects which in most cases would satisfy their conditions, although no computer access cuts down the field considerably. We also would probably have to eliminate customer service / telemarketing / telephone sales position (most use computers anyway). Employment that violates local zoning and ordinances would also have to eliminated from contention. That being said, I KNOW that there are positions out there that could be a viable source for this population. Certain types of assembly, sorting, mailing etc. come to mind. I am sure that this is just the tip of the iceberg - so I wanted to throw this out to the whole community for suggestions.

The potential rewards for such a project are great, and its been my experience that the SO population have a high level of compliance with Probation programs.

So, have any good ideas?

Thanks in advance.

Matthew Lucas, OWDS

S.C. Probation

Motivating Ex-Offenders for Employment

standers — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 14:50:30 GMT

I am seeking journal articles or research on motivating ex-offenders, who are appear unmotivated. We are interested in motivation for employment; however, if you are aware of articles on motivating in general, we may be able to relate this to the topic. Thanks.

Problems Applying for WOTC and WIA Tax Credits?

SquareOne — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:52:19 GMT

I am in the process of helping create a non-profit that will help parolees secure employment after release from prison. At a meeting with local businessmen, several local hirers complained that it was almost impossible to get the tax credit, that the process was so obtuse, it was impossible for their tax accountants to get the credits offered. Has anyone else heard this and if so, what is the problem? And how do we resolve it? I've been to the EDD and WOTC sites and the process outlined seems okay. Are there roadblocks in the system or what marketers call breakage...rules and policies that are so restrictive that no one can qualify for the theoretical credit? Thanks you for your help, all!

Trying to start an OWDS program within community corrections

jstopera — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:17:12 GMT

Hennepin County Community Corrections has started an Offender Workforce Development program called Pathways to Employment (P2E) and we are having difficulty by getting referrals to the program by either the other probation officers not referring AND/OR the lack of accountability by the clients. Does any one have any advice on what they have done within their agency that would assist us in making this a success? Having open ended workshops on employment for resumes, interest profilers, or having a 3 day session? What is everyone else doing out there? We need ideas to make this successful! Thank you!

Interface of State WIA (Workforce Investment Act) and State/Regional WIA Boards with Adult Corrections (Inmates, Parolees, Re Job Training Etc

Leonard Morgenbesser PhD — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:28:36 GMT

I am continuing to look at the interface of Federal WIA (Workforce Investment Act) and State WIA Boards/Regional WIA Boards and Adult Corrections (Inmate Training, Parolee Training, Re-Entry Offender Workforce Development Issues) As you may know, the Federal WIA, which has predecessors including JTPA (Job Training Partnership Act) and CETA, is coming up for Federal Reauthorzation during Calendar Year 2010, probably during FFY (Federal Fiscal Year 2010, which is between October 1 2009 and September 30 2010) Is anyone aware of the policy positions of ACA (American Correctional Association), AJA (American Jails Association) ACA affiliates and individual adult correctional agencies on this important forthcoming Reauthorization of Federal Legislation and the accompanying funding which accompanies a Reauthorized Federal WIA, as I understand it? Few States may have State Adult Correction Directors/Commissioners on their State WIA Boards. Some Regional WIA Boards within States may have prison and jail administrators on their Boards. Does anyone know of model programs involving State/Regional WIA Board funding to innovative, exemplary programs for offender workforce development involving inmate job training in the prisons/jails, parolee job training in the communjity, and related re-entry ofrfender workforce development issues? I do understand that California is a leader in terms of State-Level collaboration between the California State WIA Board and the California CDCR (Adult Corrections, which includes both inmate job training in the prisons and parolee job training in the community). Are there any other States that you are aware of that have such type collaboration at the State Level between the State WIA Board and the State DOC/Adult Corrections (institutional as well as post/release parolees)? Finally, a related WIA issue for adult corrections is Title II (Adult Education). In most States I understand that such WIA Title II funding does not go to adult corrections for in-prison adult ed programs. In a few States, I understand, such WIA Title IIA funding does go to adult corrections for in-prison adult ed programs. I also understand there is proposed Federal Legislation, one of the sponsors may be Mr Hinojosa (D-Texas), who chairs the House Ed/Labor Subcommittee charged with the ground work (hearings etc) on Federal WIA Reauthorization----and that this Legislation will mandate that each State spend a certain portion of their WIA Title II funding on adult institutional corrections. Are you aware of any individual States with exemplary track records of allocation and spending of Federal WIA Title II funding for adult institutional in-prison adult ed programs? In summary, Federal WIA, its forthcoming hopeful Reauthorization by the Congress and the President, and individual State-Level and Regional-Level actions (funding of programs etc) by State WIA Boards/Regional WIA Boards in collaboration with State Level Corrections (Prisons/Institutions, Parole) and with the Jails Community--may be a powerful tool for enhancing offender workforce development innovations in in-prison job training, in-prison adult education, and post-release parolee offender workforce development areas Thank you for any possible insights and assistance. Leonard I Morgenbesser PhD-Albany NY

Ex-offender City hiring guidelines

rfry52601 — Mon, 04 May 2009 20:13:11 GMT

A HR director for a nearby city asked me for hiring guidelines for ex-offenders. They want to be fair, but also responsible. If anyone has any, would you please post them here? Thanks.

Expungement process in other states

maia r — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 20:52:36 GMT

I am looking to assist a client with an expungement, which will allow him to regain his realestate liscense. I am having difficulty accessing forms from Broward County , Florida. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions? I am familiar with the surrounding counties in Kansas, but I am at a loss with this- I would be happy to share information with others as well.

Thanks

Maia

Reentry Programs in El Salvador

Crosstimbers Okie — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 02:25:15 GMT

Is anyone aware of any reentry programs in El Salvador and other Central American countries? In the federal prison system we have large numbers of illegal aliens who are deported back to their countries upon sentence completion. There seems to be a desperate need for really basic services--like a roof and meals while they search for employment.

Developingt Services

Lynnette L. — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:58:59 GMT

As some of you know, the Rockefeller Drug Laws in New York State have been repealed meaning that women who in the past would have been incarcerated will remain in the community. I am interning for a small agency that wishes to meet the anticipated needs of these women with an intensive and comprehensive day program addressing all aspects of their lives. Workshops will be offered and practical skills will be developed, hopefully giving these women the self esteem and the tools to succeed as contributing members of society and strong parental figures. Does anyone know of some successful programs that we might research as models? Thanks, Lynnette

Creating an Employment prep and retention program for SOs

matt charton — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:16:42 GMT

In Albany NY, we are starting to develop curricula around employment and retention training for people who have been convicted of sex offenses. This is a collaborative effort between several county probation departments, NYSDOL, NYSDPCA, and our local CSOM, as well as a service provider. This obviously is a daunting task, and we want to be very comprehensive and safe. Albany County Probation Departments Employment Services Units mission is, to create safer communities and reduce offender recidivism by helping individuals who are under probation supervision to enter and remainin the workforce. We want to meet this mission in providing a good employment preparation program, and find suitable and safe employment for people convicted of these types of offenses. At this point we are in the development phase and ANY help within this area would be greatly appreciated.

Indiana employment options for ex-offenders

Ted A Malone — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:24:04 GMT

I am a re-entry specialist in an Indiana prison and am trying to develop a comprehensive list of employers who are willing to consider hiring ex-offenders. I'm currently updating a Marion County list and would appreciate lists from any other counties in the state. Information about any employer willing to hire ex-offenders can be emailed to tmalon@thegeogroupinc.com - thanks for your help. Ted Malone

Annual Figures on Probationer and Parolee Employment by State

Carsten — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:48:58 GMT

Hello, Does anyone know if there are annual employment figures on probationers and parolees listed by state. Ideally, I'd like to see employment figures for probationers and parolees at initial placement, at a snapshot in time (actively serving on probation/parole), and at termination. I know this is a tall order, but if someone could steer me in the right direct to obtain some of this information that would be greatly appreciated. I want to track our unemployment figures compared to other areas in the United States to see how we are doing. Thanks for your help. Carsten

Interface of State WIB (Workforce Investment Board)/WIA (Workforce Investment Act) Funding with Institutional Adult Long-Term Corrections Programs, Representation on State WIB/Boards, Regional WIB/Boards Etc

Leonard Morgenbesser PhD — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:54:23 GMT

I am with the State of NY DOCS (Dept of Correctional Services), the long term adult institutional corrections jurisdiction statewide (parole supervision is performed by another State Agency, DOP-Division of Parole) We are interested in learning of the experiences of other State DOC, institutional corrections, including the following relative to Federal WIA (Workforce Investment Act) funding, and whether the State DOC has formal representation on the State WIB WIB (Workforce Investment Board)/Boards, as well as on Regional/Local WIB (Workforce Investment Board)Boards. -have you received, do you currently receive Federal WIA funds from your Statewide Governor's WIB (Workforce Investment Board), Regional/Local WIB (Workforce Investment Board), or any constituent component entity thereof? -if so, what type of instutional adult long-term correctionprogram/s is/are funded and what is your funding specifics under WIA? i.e. support of innovative prerelease programs in the 12 months prior to release to the community support of job/industrial/vocational training in the facilities support of related education programs in the facilities other related programs (please specify) -what type of WIA funding is involved, i.e. Governor's Fifteen (15) Percent, socalled Set-Aside for Statewide Projets Title 7A Wagner-Peyser Title II (Adult Education) Other WIA funding -if you are funded under WIA, do you have outcome evaluation studies from such funded programs and are such studies available through your offices -is your State DOC represented on your State WIB/Board and if so, in what capacity (Commissioner/Director, designated staff representing Commissioner/Director etc). Please specify if applicable. -is your State DOC represented on any Regional/Local WIB/Boards and if so, in what capacity (Commissioner/ Director, designated staff representing Commissioner/Director etc). Please specify if applicable We already understand that in the Great State of California, the State WIB, the State DOC (known as CDCR) and Local WIB/Boards have since Feb 2008 been in a planning mode (for one year) on a comprehensive program concept known as "New Start" We also understand that the renowned State of Texas Project RIO, funded possibly originally during the 1980s by WIA funding predecessors (CETA, JTPA), may be the basis for programmatic thinking in some jurisdictions. We also understand that in at least (2) two jurisdictions, the State DOC has a formalized role within the State WIB. -We understand that in the State of Maryland, there is a Seat on the State WIB/Board for the State Director of Public Safety/Corrections. -We also understand that in the State of Oklahoma, the State WIB/Board is kown as the reconstituted entity known as The Oklahoma State Council for Workforce Economic Development. We understand further that the Council has established a Division (of such Council) known as the Oklahama Commerce Department Workforce Solutions Staff Team---and the Department of Corrections has a Seat on such Team. -we hear that the long overdue Reauthorization of The Federal Workforce Investment Act may occur next Spring 2008, after the new President and the new Congress are seated. We understand that the WIA, enacted 1998 - 2003, would normally have been reuathorized during 1998 but did not occur due to President-Congress differences regarding WIA. Based upon your experience with the Federal WIA funding and State-Level WIB/Boards (and Regional/Local WIB/Boards), do you have any funding and policy-relevant recommendations for WIA beyond 2008 when Reauthorization of WIA is reviewed by the relevant Congressional Committees/Subcommittees possibly beginning during 2009 We are appreciative of any possible assistance. Thank you Sincerely Leonard I Morgenbesser PhD, Program Research Specialist III Division of Program Planning, Evaluation, Research State of NY DOCS (Dept of Correctional Services) West Mall 875 Central Avenue Albany, NY 12206 E-MAIL LIMorgenbesser@docs.state.ny.us TEL VOICE 518.457.8551 518.457.3007 FAX 518.457.2689

Second Chance Act-faith based organization DREAM CENTER in your area

Kristy Curtin — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 21:41:22 GMT

Aloha from the Hawaii District Probation office. In 2011, Hawaii will have a faith based one stop center called the HAWAII DREAM SERVICE CENTER, providing an opportunity for ex-offenders, homeless, mentally ill, and other unwanted members of society to find food, shelter, employment skills, counseling, spiritual guidance, and assistance to enable a person to get back on their feet and able to contribute to society. There are many Dream Centers in place currently throughout the world, one may be in your city. Are there any prisons working with the Dream Centers or providing this option to exiting prisoners? Thank you for your time, Kristy Curtin U.S. Probation Office, Probation Services Technician

Emotions and Employability: A focus on the soft skills of employment for women ex-offenders

Johrberg — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 01:11:54 GMT

Women ex-offenders are faced with many challenges after release. One of the major challenges is related to obtaining meaningful employment. Obtaining and maintaining employment is one of the most important elements for the women ex-offenders to successfully re-integrate into society. Finding and maintaining employment can be challenging, but will be a rewarding experience for the ex-offender. Working with co-workers and customers in the workplace involves an extensive amount of interpersonal interaction. The manner in which ex-offenders communicate and relate to others are factors in obtaining and keeping a job and these skills are referred to as soft skills. Emotions such as anger, sadness, joy, fear and guilt can influence how the ex-offender is able to effectively use interpersonal skills in the attempt of obtaining and maintaining employment. Emotions and Employability: A focus on the soft skills of employment for women ex-offenders is a workbook that has been developed to assist offenders and ex-offenders understand and appreciate how their emotions influence the process of obtaining and maintaining employment. Anyone interested in the workbook can contact N. Jonas Ohrberg at Ohrberg@yahoo.com. There is no charge for the workbook.

Career employment opportunities?

Nina Gramps — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 00:14:29 GMT

Hello, I am in the process of establishing a non profit organization. We are going to offer carrer employment opportunities for ex-offenders in effort to reduce recidivism rates. Does anyone know how to go about providing bonds to ex-offenders and tax credits to employers? Is this something that an organization can provide as a service? or are there more technical legalities that restrain us from that?

Small business Grants

Gabe — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 16:45:14 GMT

Does any one know if there are any Grants to help ex offenders start their own business?

Evidence-based employment curricula

PRNelson — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:50:56 GMT

I would most appreciate suggestions, links, citations, etc. for evidence-based employment skills curricula for juvenile/young adult offenders. We're looking for tools that our case managers can use in individual and small group work with a youth re-entry program.

Many thanks.

Pat

pnelson@lys.org

Top issues in corrections? You tell us!

National Institute of Corrections — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:09:18 GMT

The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) is seeking your opinion to identify the top issues in corrections. The survey is anonymous and should not take more than 5-15 minutes to complete. Your opinion is important and NIC thanks you for your time and willingness to contribute to this important project.

Click here to begin the survey

If the above link is not working for you, try to copy this link into your browser:
http://nicic.org/Community/NA08

Business Advisory Board &/or Job Fair

Elaine — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:51:15 GMT

Good afternoon everyone!

The NYS OWDS team is interested in knowing how you have approached employers in your areas. I have been invited to talk to various employer groups, and they appear to be interested. We also conducted a busisness breakfast about 18 months ago, over 50 employers attended and the PO's that were involved have been able to use these employers very successfully. I know that we can probabaly tap into the Business Advisory Board affiliated with our One Stops throughout NYS, but the challange is trying to market our ex-felon job seekers to employers who historiclly have concerns about this population. We are also trying to coordinate a Job Fair to take place Spring 2008 for offenders. Matt Charton from our team has a group of about 10 employers that he deals with in the Albany NY area. Those employers would be our "core group."

Also, if we are able to coordinate a job fair, we were wondering what to name it??? The words "Reentry" and/or "Ex-offenders" might be a turn off to employers who participate. Many employers, esepcailly those in the service sector, such as major hotels, have told us that they do not want their name affiliated with this population, eventhough they do hire them farily consistently. They don't want any PR damage......so any ideas on the above subjects would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Offender Job Fair

Cynthia Blair — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 16:56:00 GMT

We are planning a job fair to target probationers in early 2008. Any suggestions on where to go for a guide to planning this? I seem to remember something in the OWDS training on job fairs but have not been able to locate it, perhaps it was in another NIC resource. Any suggestions and/or direction to resources would be appreciated. Thanks

What do YOU Need in 2008?

Leslie LeMaster — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 18:37:06 GMT

What are your needs for 2008?

The Southern Region Regional Training Initiative (RTI) Team, sponsored by the National Institute of Corrections, Academy Division WANTS TO KNOW!

Dear Colleague in the Corrections and Criminal Justice Profession: WE NEED YOUR HELP!

WHAT ~ Identification of training needs for you, your staff, your organization

WHY ~ To better meet the identified training needs of corrections / criminal justice agencies. The Southern Region team will use these needs assessments to select delivery strategies, develop and schedule training programs, and/or create informational packets for criminal justice agencies throughout the Southern Region. We will also pass this information on to the National Institute of Corrections.

WHO ARE WE? ~ Professionals who work within jails, prisons, community corrections, juvenile justice, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. We are the Southern Region Field Coordinators, supported by the National Institute of Corrections, Academy Division.

HOW YOU CAN HELP ~ Please take a few moments to complete this short survey and fax to Gayle Brazell, Director, Division of Training, South Carolina Department of Corrections, at 803-896-1224.

You can also cut and paste the survey out of this posting, and e-mail your responses to llemaster@bop.gov or brazell.gayle@doc.state.sc.us

Type of Organization (circle and or note all that apply):

Community Corrections (Probation and Parole) State Corrections (Institutions) Juvenile Justice Federal Bureau of Prisons Jail/Detention Center

Your Name:

Title:

Telephone:

Fax:

Email:

Agency Address:

Please note here if you would you like more information about the Regional Training Initiative, or visit us at http://nicic.org

SURVEY QUESTIONS

1. What specific training or training related services would help you achieve your goals and objectives?

2. Please identify the knowledge and skills necessary to attain your goals or objectives.

Knowledge:

Skills:

Please be as specific as possible. Use back of form or additional sheets of paper if needed. Thank you!

Cognitive Skills Training for Offender Employment

standers — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 12:29:16 GMT

We are interested in the curriculums "Learning to Work it Out, Managing to Work it Out, Working it Out for Offenders, Hard to Serve and At Risk." We would greatly appreciate any research that has been conducted regarding the effectiveness and outcomes.