1. Community-based Organizations, Employment and Partnerships: Connecting People with Criminal History Records to Jobs Marsha Weissman, Ph.D., Executive Director Presented at: 2012 Interfaith Symposium: Job Clubs & Career Ministries On the Front Lines of Getting New Yorkers Back to Work June 11, 2012

2. The Center for Community Alternatives  Mission: to reduce the use of incarceration and foster community reintegration  Promote public safety, civil rights and human rights  Direct services  Research, training and policy advocacy through CCA/Justice Strategies  Offices throughout NYS: NYC; Syracuse; Buffalo & Rochester

3. Overview of the Presentation  Description of CCA’s DOL-funded enhanced transitional jobs program  Overview of issues related to working with people with criminal history records

4. The Parent Success Initiative: A U.S. DOL ETJD Program  Target Population: Non Custodial Parents (70% have prior cj history)  Methodologies: Random assignment evaluation Community collaboration  Outcomes to be Measured: unsubsidized employment employment retention decrease in recidivism rate consistent payment of child support

5. Benefits of Transitional Employment as Workforce Development Strategy  Immediate income  Improved employability and work reference  Skills development (soft and hard skills)  Individuals confidence improves  Supportive services available 5

6. Collaborative Partnership: Greater Syracuse Works A community partnership of non-profit community-based organizations, educational institutions, governmental agencies, businesses, and community residents

7. GSW Support Service Coordination (Subcontract) GSW Support Service Coordination (Subcontract) CCA Operations Manager Transitional Jobs  4 day work-week  1 day job seeking skills, job search, support services  Paid participation – weekly wage  Placement into competitive jobs may occur from the TJ program Transitional Jobs  4 day work-week  1 day job seeking skills, job search, support services  Paid participation – weekly wage  Placement into competitive jobs may occur from the TJ program Support Services  Legal – Family law, Civic Restoration  Literacy/Education – Basic Ed, Pre-GED, Certificate  Industry-Recognized Credentials – NWRC, NCRC  Life Skills Training - Parenting/ Communication/Relationships  Job Skill Training – Certificates, degree programs  Family Mediation  Financial Literacy  Referrals – MH, DV, D & A counseling Support Services  Legal – Family law, Civic Restoration  Literacy/Education – Basic Ed, Pre-GED, Certificate  Industry-Recognized Credentials – NWRC, NCRC  Life Skills Training - Parenting/ Communication/Relationships  Job Skill Training – Certificates, degree programs  Family Mediation  Financial Literacy  Referrals – MH, DV, D & A counseling Case Management Services  Multiple subcontracts with organizations located in the communities they serve Case Management Services  Multiple subcontracts with organizations located in the communities they serve Key Referral Sources: Family Court, Child Support, Criminal Justice Work Readiness Training Focus on work behavior, attendance, peer & supervisor relationships Work Readiness Training Focus on work behavior, attendance, peer & supervisor relationships Job Development  Job development  Employer events, tours, presentations  Practice Interviews  Coordination with case managers Job Development  Job development  Employer events, tours, presentations  Practice Interviews  Coordination with case managers Participant Supports  Work/interview clothing  Transportation – bus passes Participant Supports  Work/interview clothing  Transportation – bus passes Planning Advisory Committee Employer & Participant Advisory Councils Lead Agency: CCA Intake & Random Assignment Lead Agency: CCA Intake & Random Assignment

8. Service Enhancements Case Management Work Readiness Training Legal assistance with child support issues Civic Restoration to address criminal history issues Literacy – Basic Ed, Pre-GED, GED Industry-Recognized Credentials – NWRC Job Skills Training – Certifications Life Skills Training – Parenting, Financial Literacy Participant Supports – clothing, tools, transportation Referrals – Mental Health, Domestic Violence, Substance Abuse and Recovery Supports

9. Without opportunities for employment, the sentence lasts a lifetime

10. Growth of Felons and Ex-felons, 1948-2010 Source: Shannon, Uggen, Thompson, Schnittker & Massoglia. 2011 GROWTH IN THE U.S. EX- FELON AND EX-PRISONER POPULATION, 1948 TO 2010

11. Racial Disparities (incarceration rates per 100,000) Source: West, Bureau of Justice Statistics of Criminal Justice Statistics 2010 Sentencing Project

12. State Prison Population by Race and Ethnicity 2010 African American 42% Hispanic 15% White 39% Source: Guerino et al. 2011 Bureau of Justice Statistics

13. Helping Participants Apply and Interview for Employment Interview  Learn about the person  Review criminal history & correct misinformation  Anticipate questions  Anticipate employer’s concerns about ex- offenders and prepare to address them: Can’t be trusted They will scare other employees Lazy/Not dependable What skills could THEY have? Not in it for the long haul  Work on developing participant strengths  Help participants obtain certificates of rehabilitation

14. Second Chances  “Among the core promises of America’s justice system is the notion that those who serve their time deserve a second chance to make a positive contribution to American society. In realizing this promise, it’s essential to ensure that returning citizens are given the opportunity to make an honest living and become productive members of their communities.” Attorney General Eric Holder, March 22, 2012

15. For more information visit Center for Community Alternatives www.comunityalternatives.org