The Crime Report (https://thecrimereport.org/category/corrections/prisoner-reentry/)
A bipartisan group of senators and several criminal justice groups are urging the Trump administration to drop a proposal that would require federal job applicants to disclose whether they went through a criminal diversion program. Critics say the rule would make it harder for former offenders to find work
“Housing is the key to understanding the recidivism puzzle,” says Steve Berg of the National Alliance to End Homelessness. Georgia has opened a reentry facility to give “returning citizens” counseling, training and housing support.
Under a proposed update to federal hiring requirements, people who get a job offer from the government or its contractors would have to disclose whether they went through a pretrial diversion program that allowed them to avoid prison and a criminal record. Critics have asked White House adviser Jared Kushner, who lobbied for the First Step Act, to stop the plan.
One beneficiary is Hassan Nemazee, who has donated heavily to Democratic political causes.
Eligible felons already can restore their voting rights in Tennessee, but the process is complicated.
During the now-condemned “tough-on-crime” era, federal higher education assistance was made off limits to anyone in prison. But a pilot $35 million effort to revive it is now in its fourth year—and apparently flourishing—in 26 states.
Brandon Flood hopes that initiatives calling attention to Pennsylvania’s pardon process and making it easier to apply for one will show former inmates that the state is focused on rewarding good post-prison behavior.
After complaints from criminal justice reform advocates, President Trump will ask Congress for $147 million to implement the new prison reform law, far above the $14 million the White House sought for the measure as recently as last month.
President Trump will greet federal inmates freed under the new First Step Act at an event on Monday. Trump adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner got one returning prisoner a job at a Walmart in Alabama.
Tennessean Matthew Charles found a place to live with support from President Trump and Kim Kardashian-West. Tennessee’s Project Return helps less-prominent former prisoners find homes.