Politics Nov 16 New York will automatically seal old criminal records under a new law signed by Gov. Hochul By Maysoon Khan, Associated Press/Report for America
Nation Sep 20 Watch 9:27 Occupational licensing hurts job prospects for people with criminal records Being employed has proven to reduce the chances that people who have recently left prison will reoffend. But for many, jobs that require a state license or certificate can be difficult or even impossible to obtain, even as dozens of… By Cat Wise, Sam Weber
Nation Nov 10 Watch 7:22 Formerly incarcerated face complicated path in aftermath of Hurricane Ian Hurricanes devastate vulnerable communities, but a group that’s often overlooked after disasters is the formerly incarcerated. William Brangham spoke with a woman whose home was destroyed by Hurricane Ian. She then found that her criminal record made it very hard… By William Brangham, Sam Lane
Economy Apr 21 Criminal records shut small business owners out of aid program The Paycheck Protection Program is supposed to be a lifeline for small businesses, but government guidelines say that businesses are ineligible if anyone who owns the company is incarcerated, under indictment, on probation or parole or had been convicted of… By Jill Colvin, Associated Press
Nation Jan 16 Watch 3:19 For low-level offenders, this Boston court provides a second chance In more than two decades as a district court judge, the Honorable Kathleen Coffey has sent plenty of people to jail. During her monthly sessions at homeless court, though, her goal is to avoid that. This Boston initiative aims to… By Tina Martin
Sep 06 Low unemployment means a criminal record is less of a hurdle By Gretchen Frazee Instead of choosing from a glut of applicants with bachelor’s and master’s degrees, employers are being forced to consider applicants with little to no training at all, including ex-convicts. Continue reading
Jan 24 Watch 8:14 Living with a record: How past crimes may drive job seekers into poverty By PBS News Hour Applicants with criminal backgrounds, including those with nonviolent criminal convictions or even arrests, are increasingly being driven into poverty. Even if it has been years since they've served time for past criminal infractions, those applying for jobs are often unable… Continue watching