MIAMI – U.S. Attorney’s Office staff in Florida are taking a hard stance against employment barriers that plague former inmates, making it difficult for them to land a job and reintegrate into society.
At the recent 305 Second Chance Job & Resource Expo held at the Main Library in downtown Miami, hundreds of job seekers – many of whom had previously been incarcerated – attended in hopes of finding employment and breaking the cycle of recidivism.
According to Law Enforcement Coordination Specialist Mark McKinney, U.S. Attorney’s Office, the expo provided a crucial platform for job seekers to apply for positions, receive resource information, and connect with employers in one location.
‘Many people we saw at the expo were so grateful for the opportunity to apply for jobs and get resource information in one location,’ McKinney said. ‘You can’t help but feel inspired and want to help them as best you can.’
Approximately 25 employers participated in the expo, offering a range of job opportunities, from entry-level positions to vocational training and education. However, a criminal record can still be a significant obstacle for many former inmates, limiting their job prospects and increasing the likelihood of reoffending.
‘We can bring someone on in as little as a week, depending on the position,’ said a recruiting specialist with a local community organization. ‘Certain positions, such as a preschool teacher, may require an associate or bachelor’s degree. It just depends on the job they are trying to get.’
Despite the challenges, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to making re-entry easier for former inmates. The office provides resource information, hosts re-entry simulations, and educates community members on the difficulties faced by returning citizens.
‘Our office provides resource information to returning citizens and hosts re-entry simulations to educate community members on how difficult re-entry can be,’ said Law Enforcement Coordination/Community Outreach Section Chief J.D. Smith. ‘Educating the public is key because many either don’t know or don’t think about the challenges facing returning citizens.’
Opportunities to get involved with returning citizens abound, with non-profit and faith-based organizations encouraged to mentor and assist them in overcoming re-entry barriers.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Social Justice|Crime Prevention
- Source: Official Source ↗
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