Monday, April 2, 2012

Making Strides Toward Offender Employment

The Utah Department of Corrections was recently in the news as part of a broad, coordinated effort with several public, private, and non-profit agencies participating to help even the playing field when it comes to employment.

Offenders often have a difficult time overcoming their criminal histories and finding work, even after they have served their time. This complicates their chances for success when they are on paper (probation or parole), since obtaining and maintaining employment is a major part of their required conditions. Likewise, employment is a precursor to other, broader successes. Offenders who have a difficult time paying rent or mortgages, supporting their families, paying restitution to victims, or even affording the necessities of everyday life generally are more likely to revert to former lifestyles or give up and find themselves back in prison. This has negative impacts on the individual, their families and loved ones, and society as a whole.

Utah Corrections works with other state, federal, and local governmental agencies as well as the previously mentioned private and non-profit sector groups, to help offenders gain the tools and interviewing skills they need to stand on their own, possessing the confidence to compete in the job market.

KSL News and The Salt Lake Tribune recently ran stories about two offenders who have turned their lives around and landed careers after serving time. Also below is a link to a page on the Corrections website about UDOWD, which contains a news release.

News Stories: