A Review of Research Examining the Effectiveness of Mechanisms Aimed to Increase Employment Outcomes for those with Criminal History
Ohio State Legal Studies Research Paper No. 729
Drug Enforcement and Policy Center, September 2022
10 Pages Posted: 7 Sep 2022 Last revised: 29 Oct 2022
Date Written: September 1, 2022
Abstract
Individuals with criminal history and related parties consistently cite that one of the most impactful collateral consequences is the barrier to employment arising from a criminal record (see for example, Garland, Wodahl, & Mayfield, 2011). Further, research has consistently shown that those with criminal history generally have poorer employment outcomes compared to those with no criminal history (Ahmed & Lång, 2017). Recognizing these findings, researchers have sought to evaluate the effectiveness of multiple mechanisms which could theoretically improve employment outcomes for those with criminal history. The aim of the current paper is to summarize the literature on this topic. The paper separates mechanisms into those that are formal and those that are informal. A formal mechanism is one that is legislatively created to address collateral consequences such as employment. Examples include pardon, sealing/expungement, and certificates of relief. An informal mechanism is any non-legislative tool that could be used to improve employment outcomes for individuals with criminal history. Examples include education, work history, and reentry programming.
Keywords: Collateral Consequences, Employment, Rights Restoration, Criminal History
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