Offender Workforce Development: Providing a Second Chance Francina Carter

National Institute of Corrections

Welcome
Who are we? Where do we come from? Why are we here? What do we hope to learn?

National Institute of Corrections

U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Prisons
NIC is a federal agency created in 1974 as a center of correctional knowledge to provide leadership and assistance to the field of corrections.

1 in 100
In 2008, 1 in every 99.1 adults was behind bars in America More than 1.5 million were in state or federal prisons More than 700,00 were in local jails
http://www.pewcenteronthestates.org/topic_category.aspx?category=528

1 in 31
In addition, over 4.2 million were on probation Over 800,000 were on parole In total, over 7.3 million adults were under some form of correctional control, a ratio of 1 in 31
http://www.pewcenteronthestates.org/topic_category.aspx?category=528

The Criminal Justice System Today

After sharp increases in the 1980s and 1990s, the incarceration rate has recently grown at a slower pace.

Offender Reentry
Annually, approximately 750,000 are released from state and federal prisons Over 9 million are released from local jails 95% of all offenders will return to their communities

What works and what does not: evidenced based principles, organizational development, and collaboration

Employment Restrictions
In preparing for careers, clients should consider employment restrictions based on:
Nature of crime Length of time since conviction Occupational bars Licensure requirements
Check with states Office of the Attorney General

Employment Requirements
A client on probation or parole may have additional requirements:
Office visits Telephone access Drug testing Site visits Violations

Record of Arrest and Prosecution

Be familiar with the clients criminal history Clients should obtain a copy of their Record of Arrest and Prosecution (RAP) to:
Check for accuracy See what employers will see in a background check Obtain from states Criminal Records Repository

Career Exploration
It is important to explore career options with:
Juveniles Clients with limited work history Clients who can no longer work in their field due to their criminal record

Job Readiness
Developing resumes
Functional vs chronological

Completing job applications

Using a letter of explanation

Preparing for the interview

Role playing the incarceration speech

Job Placement
Match clients interests and skills to jobs that meet legal and supervision requirements Encourage entry level positions that match career interests

Employer Incentives
Coach clients about employer incentives:
Work Opportunity Tax Credit Federal Bonding Program

An incentive to the employer to hire an at-risk job applicant, including ex-offenders Insurance to protect employer against employee dishonesty Covers any type of stealing: theft, forgery, larceny, and embezzlement The bond insurance issued ranges from $5,000 to $25,000 coverage for a 6-month period

THE McLAUGHLIN COMPANY 1725 DeSales Street NW Suite 700 Washington DC 20036 PHONE: 800.233.2258 or 202.293.5566

Work Opportunity Tax Credit

A federal tax credit that reduces an employers tax liability for hiring an individual in one of twelve targeted categories, including ex-felon Ex-felon--an individual who was convicted of a felony and who is hired not more than one year after the conviction or release from prison $2,400 tax credit for each new adult hire $1,200 tax credit for each new summer youth hire

Basic Principles Underlying Facilitation Skills

Acceptance Respect Understanding Empathy Trust Genuineness

Facilitation Skills
Attending Questioning Clarifying Reflecting Encouraging

Facilitation Skills
Setting expectations Honoring confidentiality

Whats in Your Career Development Professionals Toolbox?

Career Assessments Professional Network Community Resource Guide Labor Market Information Employer Contacts Education and Training Resources YOU!

Offender Barriers
Internal
Self concept Self knowledge Self efficacy Locus of Control Beliefs and attitudes Planning and decision making skills

External
Family issues Offender issues Transportation Housing Education and training Employment history Addiction issues Mental health issues

OES: Building Bridges

Introductory level training Promotes collaboration
Corrections Community supervision Community agencies One-Stop services

Range of practitioner roles

Curriculum Design and Delivery

Ease in facilitation using video content and OES Guide Book with activities and discussion questions Flexible delivery schedule can be tailored to fit audience and training needs Cost effective training requirements
Facilitators/guest speakers Training facility Printed curriculum materials AV equipment

OES Curriculum Components

OES Introduction-a brief video overview of training that can be used for marketing OES Facilitator Training-a step-by-step process on video designed to train facilitators OES Guide Book-training curriculum that includes activities and discussion questions OES Curriculum-DVDs with over 5 hours of content

OES Model
Key Processes
Capacity Opportunity Motivation

Key players
Practitioners Employers Offender

Transition Issues
Decision-making Transition from structured environment Lack of opportunity for decisionmaking Cognitive skills training

Transition Issues
Legal financial obligations Fines, restitution Supervision fees Child support Health and Human Services Office of Child Support Enforcement

Transition and Planning Tools

Development of an action plan
Long-term goals Short-term goals Mini-steps Positive reinforcement

Transition and Planning Tools

Using Nancy Schlossbergs 4-Step Model Take stock of the situation Take stock of the self-characteristics Take stock of supports Take charge with a strategy

Tips on working with persons who have criminal convictions

Firm, fair and consistent Friendly, but not friends Offer hope Positive incentives Clear information Be aware that they may be juggling competing demands

Tips on working with persons who have criminal convictions

Reinforce careers Look at transferable skills Provide guidance on budgeting Provide assistance with gathering necessary documents Provide mentors Encourage peer support through AA or NA

Tips on working with persons who have criminal convictions

Collaborate! Develop resources to meet needs Keep abreast of changes in the field

Career Resource Centers

Online Job Application

Labor Market Information

Websites
National Institute of Corrections www.nicic.gov/owd National HIRE Network www.hirenetwork.org/resource.html National Reentry Resource Center www.nationalreentryresourcecenter.org