I missed this post earlier. Without getting to personal, what experience do you have? Which side of the issue are you familiar with? I am genuinely interested. I have of late been considering a middle aged career change, specifically into resource allocation for emerging convicts and the exonerated and would love to hear more from people who have first hand knowledge.
mc
No, jails are generally no fun.
But you can be an ex-con without ever spending a day inside a cell. All you have to do is be convicted of a crime. While incarceration gets the attention, a lot of low-level crimes only result in probation - and having your conviction placed on your permanent record.
I worked in the New York State Department of Corrections for twenty-seven years.
That IS vast experience!
And I couldn’t agree more. But, this particular thread is about the person who is already convicted, and will be released back into society, how best can we help him? I know I’m putting you on the spot; but with your unique knowledge, if you con do one thing to help the ex-con become a solid citizen again,what would it be?
mc
See I have a problem with Ban the box or other programs designed to prevent business owners from knowing who they’re hiring is it forcing businesses to bear a cost of ignorance so that you can try and sneak people into positions. I’m always wary of programs for which the program’s creator doesn’t bear the penalty of being wrong.
We offer people opportunities to change their lives for the better. But ultimately they have to choose to use those opportunities. And many do not, which is unfortunate for them and for society.
The more important question, to me, is: does the prejudice against hiring convicted criminals correlate with the actual untrustworthiness of these individuals?
mc