I was interviewed by Essential Public Radio (NPR affiliate) yesterday with regards to ‘Ban the Box’ (http://www.essentialpublicradio.org/story/2012-06-07/ban-box-11348), the issue is crucial.
At Aleph our programs include helping those who get out of prison finding employment, without employment there can be no rehabilitation, in addition to allowing the individual to being able to pay his or her bills they have to be able to hold their head high, being a productive member in the community requires the individual to work and be able to live life as we know.
The government has to do more with reducing the liability exposure for employers. Expungement of criminal past should be more available and to a broader population, especially today as criminal records are so assessable via the internet.
Society has to be more forgiving, with over one and a half million people in PA alone who have been convicted of a crime, our choice is either to be more forgiving and provide employment or face desperate individuals who have no legal way of providing the basic necessities for themselves and their families!
If you have employment opportunities in your business or a business you work for, please call our office with information, we have individuals who are ready to work and deserve a second chance.