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L.A. County campaign encourages employing people with criminal records

by The AV Times Staff • September 9, 2019

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles County supervisors and local business leaders Monday announced The Fair Chance Hiring Initiative, which is aimed at encouraging companies to employ people who have been rehabilitated through the criminal justice system.

“We challenge employers to think outside the box when making their hiring decisions,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis, who authored the motion to establish the Fair Chance campaign. “Studies clearly show that hiring rehabilitated people with past (criminal) records is a smart business move. They work harder, stay longer and promote faster than other employees.”

Solis said the county offers incentives and support to businesses that hire people with a criminal record.

“Everyone deserves a fair chance to get back on their feet, and when they do, everyone benefits,” she said.

Business executives will be asked to sign the Fair Chance Hiring Pledge, a commitment to give individuals with a criminal background the chance to apply for a job. The pledge is available at www.fairchance.lacounty.gov.

Companies that sign the pledge will receive guidance from Los Angeles County business services representatives, who will work with them to recruit and retain qualified job candidates. County officials said businesses that hire formerly incarcerated people can be eligible for tax credits, training reimbursement and other resources.

“Hiring justice-involved individuals is not only good for business but provides an opportunity to transform lives,” County Supervisor Mark Ridley- Thomas said. “Stable employment can help individuals reenter society with the tools they need to lead healthy and productive lives, leading to greater safety in our communities.”

County officials said studies have shown about one in three working-age Americans has a felony criminal record and up to 65% of individuals released from incarceration are unemployed a year after their release.

“We have been hiring reentry individuals for several years and can attest to the dedication, reliability and incredible work ethic of our justice- involved employees,” said Ken Wiseman, the chief workforce development officer at AMS Fulfillment.

The Fair Chance Hiring Campaign also seeks to raise awareness of the State’s Fair Chance Act, which took effect last year. The law generally prohibits businesses with more than five employees from asking about a job candidate’s criminal record before tendering a conditional job offer, according to The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing.

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Filed Under: Business, Home, Los Angeles County, Politics

15 comments for "L.A. County campaign encourages employing people with criminal records"

  1. Alexis says

    January 7, 2020 at 2:48 pm

    I know so many that have been rehabilitated, and make great employees. This is good for society because it works. Changing a mind to become a productive citizen keeps that same person from being an habitual inmate, and benefits society.

  2. Repairman says

    January 7, 2020 at 10:05 am

    I agree and everyone does deserve a 2nd chance in life especially, in Lancaster or Palmdale. We need good blue collar workers here and repairmen.

    • InDepends says

      January 7, 2020 at 11:50 am

      Would you want them repairing things in your house? Honestly?

  3. Daniel says

    September 10, 2019 at 10:36 am

    Am I reading this crap right? The hypocrisy with these politicians is incredible. Solis had spent millions fighting the Sheriff because he reinstated a deputy that only had an allegation, never arrested let alone stepped foot inside a courtroom. She made all kinds of public statements against the deputy who was wrongfully terminated and his ex girlfriend admitted to lying. Not this? Wow… Lying, dirty, filthy politician.

    • Alexis says

      September 10, 2019 at 10:41 am

      Daniel: I did my homework, otherwise I might believe you.

      • Tim Scott says

        September 11, 2019 at 1:55 pm

        Notice that they aren’t suggesting that the recently rehabilitated be given badges and guns.

  4. EXAV says

    September 10, 2019 at 9:57 am

    Nothing stops a bullet like a job. Americans are too stupid to understand that little bit of wisdom.
    “The Americans can always be trusted to do the right thing, once all other possibilities have been exhausted.”

  5. Hiring says

    September 9, 2019 at 10:15 pm

    Would Solis or Ridley-Thomas hire one of their rehabilitated brothers or sisters?

  6. William says

    September 9, 2019 at 3:13 pm

    They said you were coming. What took so long?

  7. Christ says

    September 9, 2019 at 2:54 pm

    Wonderful , la county wants to release these thugs from jail so private businesses can deal with their BS. No thanks

    • Stinger says

      September 9, 2019 at 5:15 pm

      Thank you for the typical snap ‘righteous’ reply… So, your solution to the issues surrounding reentry is what, exactly?

      Keep ’em all in jail forever for any crime, no matter how small (you wanna pay for that, buddy, ’cause I don’t)?

      Ostracize ’em and keep ’em from ever being able to reenter society (and thereby ensure a 100% recidivism rate)?

      Seriously, ‘Christ,’ I really want to know what sustainable solutions you would bring to the table for this serious, and rather costly, set of issues, since this one is not within your acceptable parameters.

      • Alexis says

        September 9, 2019 at 6:04 pm

        Great comment!

        • Stinger says

          September 11, 2019 at 9:47 am

          Thank you, Alexis.

          I noticed that we are lacking a response from our reactionary friend. I must admit to some disappointment in that I was hoping that he might, just somehow, NOT be a typical Trumpian Troll and have a legitimate different set of suggestions with potential for success… But this is the internet, after all. ;-)

          • Trumpist#1 says

            September 11, 2019 at 1:47 pm

            Trumpian Troll. I like it. If I saw it sooner, I would have made it my handle.

    • Hezikiah says

      September 9, 2019 at 5:49 pm

      You must be the christ that Rex follows in his Rexianity. The real Christ has compassion for sinners. Rexianity is about suing your neighbor instead of loving them, shooting the homeless instead of helping them find homes, slandering your enemies instead of loving them, and lying about circumstances rather than admitting faults.

      If this is Rex’s idea of a christian community, than count me as a Rexian atheist. I do not believe in him or his ways.

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