There are many barriers to entry for men and women returning home from prison, including finding employment. A business leader discusses how businesses can help returning citizens receive a second chance.
In the U.S., nearly 450,000 men and women return from prison every year. Gainful employment is one of the largest contributors to reduced recidivism and a disrupted criminal cycle.
Harley Blakeman is the CEO and founder of HonestJobs, the nation’s largest network of employers who are intentionally hiring people impacted by the justice system.
We met with Harley to hear about the barriers faced by returning citizens and some practical ways businesses can help.
Prison Fellowship: What do you want employers to know about coming alongside someone who needs a second chance?
Harley Blakeman: There's a lot of opportunity in this population to benefit a business. Be aware that the more resources, wraparound support, and services you can provide, the better the outcomes are going to be. Second chance [hiring] is the future. Many second chance employees discuss how much they love working for a company that provides second chances. It can be really healing and empowering for your employees.
Why do you believe companies are resistant to giving people second chances?
I think the biggest challenge is changing hearts and minds. There's a lot of stigma and dehumanization around people with records. Things are changing, but when we're talking about businesses, we need to remember that policy changes take time. It’s not like the latest software or updated version of technology—it’s a change that requires people to agree and it costs money. It means changing human resources policy which is often complex and very difficult to do. It takes time and consistency.
The process is also ever changing. Companies can adjust during the process. There are resources to help companies determine a hiring matrix and what's the right level for the company, given where it’s at today—HonestJobs being one of those resources.
What benefits have you seen for second chance employers?
The first benefit is the large talent pool. Roughly 1 in 3 Americans has some type of criminal record. They represent about 12% of the U.S. workforce. It’s also a diverse population. There are people with master's degrees, MBAs, or talented skill sets. There’s also entry-level labor and talent. Employers can benefit from this talent pool by being willing and interested to hire this population.
Additionally, second chance employees are loyal. There’s a lot of research that shows they have longer-term retention than other employees and, in some cases, earn faster promotions. It’s a win-win for businesses to meet needs while showing a heart for the community they operate in.
What type of employees do people with a criminal record make?
The thing that makes them unique is true gratitude: gratitude for both high-paying or entry-level positions. For some, it’s the first time they received health care in their life. Employers are struggling to find talent even when they pay livable wages with benefits. When you offer a job to someone with a record who is acknowledging their past, you get someone who cares and doesn't want to let you down.
Is there a benefit to the community when businesses hire people with criminal records?
When you hire someone with a record you're not just providing them with an opportunity. The majority of women who are incarcerated are mothers. We’ve interviewed many mothers who talk about how important [their job] was for their family. It's not just for them—it’s for their children. In urban communities challenged by drugs, a present father is priceless. It means having a father there to be available for the kids and earn income to support the mother.
We don't want people to live a life of crime—so let's give them an honest job and honest work. Research shows that employment is the largest contributor to reducing recidivism. It makes sense. When people don’t have work, what are they going to do? ... They're going to go do things that take them back to their old habits. We all know that when people are busy, when people are working or are more productive, they make more tax dollars and can take care of families better. The community is safer. It means all-around positive outcomes when someone has a job.
Why are second chances important?
When you don't give second chances, you’re not allowing people to grow. For me, second chances mean growth. They mean improvement. They mean being better. It's important that we let people have second chances so that we can be surrounded by people who are improving and becoming the best version of themselves. Everyone needs a second chance at some point.
WHAT IS SECOND CHANCE MONTH?
Prison Fellowship spearheaded Second Chance Month® in 2017. Since then, multiple U.S. presidents and more than 25 states have recognized Second Chance Month. More than 800 organizations, congregations, and businesses have joined Prison Fellowship as official Second Chance Month partners. As a result of these efforts, millions of people know of the barriers faced by people with a criminal record and how to unlock second chances for people who dream of a better tomorrow.
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