Felony offenders in Ohio often face challenges in securing employment due to the collateral consequences associated with their criminal records. These consequences extend beyond the criminal justice system. They also often result in barriers to finding meaningful work.
Understanding these challenges is necessary for addressing the needs of those seeking to reintegrate into society.
Barriers to employment
Felony offenders face many barriers when seeking employment. They may face restrictions on occupational licenses and limited access to certain professions. They may also encounter employer discrimination based on criminal history. Many employers conduct background checks as part of the hiring process. A felony conviction can lead to automatic disqualification or bias against the applicant. Those with criminal records may also struggle to find stable employment due to lack of experience or education. This can exacerbate financial instability.
Impact on economic stability
The employment-related collateral consequences of a felony conviction have far-reaching implications for economic stability. Limited job opportunities and lower earning potential can perpetuate cycles of poverty. They can also hinder efforts to rebuild one’s life after incarceration. The inability to secure gainful employment may also increase the likelihood of recidivism. People struggling to meet their basic needs may resort to illegal means of survival.
Per the Council of State Governments Justice Center, Ohio laws had about 1,250 provisions about collateral consequences affecting the state’s felony offenders in 2020. The majority of those provisions involve barriers to employment. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort to dismantle systemic barriers and promote fair hiring practices.
