The topic of ex-offender employment is so interesting to me because this is such a problem for America right now, and I think most people overlook its significance. Data shows that 1 out of every 100 Americans is currently in prison or jail. I believe I also read someplace that 1 out of 15 Americans will have an encounter with the criminal justice system. Think about that! Those numbers are absurd. If trends continue and employers do not change their ‘mindset’ about hiring an ex-offender, their talent pool will continue to shrink. We probably all hear the same thing from employers every day, “I cannot find people who want to work or who have the skills I’m looking for.” Meanwhile, there is an untapped skill set releasing from prison to the tune of about a half million workers per year.
At the same time, I constantly meet guys during pre-release who have remarkable skills and years of experience, but have never worked outside of the prison setting. The disconnect that exists between these potential workers and private sector employers is staggering. My young urban males, in particular, have no clue how to tap into, get along in or adapt to work in the private sector. It creates a total disenfranchisement.
America is the most incarcerated society in the world--thus it stands to reason the impact of that stat on the social fabric of the US is significant. Many issues come to bear for these individuals, but it seems that if they can become employed in some meaningful enterprise (i.e., one that provides them a living wage) fairly soon after their release, they have a shot at success.
ReplyDeleteThat said, it seems that additional support for employers willing to give second chances to formerly incarcerated individuals is in order.
What form that support would take I'm not exactly sure. Wage subsidies, perhaps--that's a start.