In recent years, there have been numerous efforts designed to pass laws and change policies to increase access to opportunities for justice-impacted job seekers.
In 2020, Congress passed the FAFSA Simplification Act that reinstated access to Pell Grants for people in prison to pay for their college education. This means, incarcerated people who are enrolled in an eligible prison education program (PEP) are able to access federal financial assistance through the Pell Grant program. Similarly, Medicaid is being authorized to cover some health services for individuals in the period before they are released from incarceration. This change aims to promote smoother transitions at reentry, establish connections to community-based providers at release, and promote access to needed care and support. These policy solutions coupled with a variety of efforts in the workforce system are working to “normalize opportunity” for justice impacted job seekers.
In this webinar we will hear from three experts in education, healthcare, and workforce development. The presenters will highlight the opportunities that are being created due to the changes and provide strategies to navigate the challenges
March 8th, 2024. NRWC strives to improve communication and connections between reentry stakeholders and federal agencies. Join our webinar, where federal department representatives discuss state and local programs for justice-involved individuals, and ways for community organizations to partner with the government.
December 1st, 2023. During this webinar, we explored how Lifespan, Rhode Island’s largest employer and healthcare system, developed Pathway to Employment (PTE). This innovative work-based learning program equips individuals affected by the criminal legal system with the skills and connections needed to secure employment in this rapidly expanding industry.
June 9th, 2023. In this webinar, we will hear from practitioners who will share the benefits of taking a person-centered approach, how this impacts the overall outcomes for their participants. We will also hear from individuals directly impacted by the criminal legal system, and their experiences receiving reentry workforce services.
March 31st, 2023. In this panel, you will hear from experts who will share the basics about background checks, how to assess candidates, and resources & tools to ensure your organization is complying with employment law around background checks.
December 9th, 2022. The panelist take a critical look at recent policies and practices that are being implemented across the country to break down barriers to success for people with criminal records.
June 3, 2022. Three companies that practice Second (Fair) Chance hiring. They share what motivates them to take this approach, the unique benefits, and challenges they encounter in championing fair chances.
Explore strategies and approaches that have proven to help people who have been impacted by the justice system to get on a path towards economic mobility.
December 3, 2021. Effective strategies for building transformative relationships with employers that result in career and economic mobility for people impacted by the justice system.
September 17, 2021. Three organizations taking different approaches to collaborate and mobilize stakeholders, and the impact of the collective effort on their communities.
June 4, 2021. Successful youth leadership council for reentry programming.
April 23, 2021. A focus on Colorado’s success in redirecting public safety resources to community.