Re-entry employment or second chance hiring is an important pillar as we look at supporting local workforce initiatives. While locally we don't host a long-term corrections facility in our county, our community is still home to people who've had experience with the justice system. Getting those folks back to work once they've been released is critical to their success and the future of our community and workforce. 

Prison to Employment has some fascinating statistics: 

• Recidivism rates are cut in half for people who have full time jobs vs those that are unemployed. 
• If they're able to hold that job for most than one year post-release there's an 84% chance they stay out of prison over the next three years, compared to the 52% who don't maintain employment
• In 2011, employing 100 previously incarcerated people will increase their income tax contributions by $1.9 million and boost sales tax revenues by $770,000. Adjusted for inflation, that's $2.8 million and $1.1 million respectively today.

I know there are a lot of factors that play into a company's decision to hire someone who's been involved in the justice system. The US Chamber has a lot of great resources about the impact on second-chance hiring and a handy guide to hiring programs and tax credits available to business owners. The Land of Lincoln Workforce Alliance can be a great resource and partner to navigating some of those opportunities for business owners. If you're wondering where to start, this article covers using skill assessments to remove bias and truly allow you to hire the best candidate, regardless of background.