July 30, 2009
Ex-Cons Face Tough Path Back into Workforce
The Associated Press interviews former Safer client Juan Cruz to bring attention to the efforts of people with criminal records to return to the workforce.
CHICAGO — George Outland had just one requirement when applying for a job: It had to be at a business that didn't check his criminal background, or didn't care.
After Outland served three years in prison for burglary, he could land only short-term work moving furniture or delivering food.
It's difficult for ex-felons to find steady jobs even in good economic times, with unemployment rates sometimes as high as 75 percent for those one year out of prison. During the worst recession in a quarter century, it can be almost impossible.
“During worse times, employers are unwilling to take chance on anyone who seems at all risky,’’ said Devah Pager, an assistant sociology professor at Princeton University.
CHICAGO — George Outland had just one requirement when applying for a job: It had to be at a business that didn't check his criminal background, or didn't care.
After Outland served three years in prison for burglary, he could land only short-term work moving furniture or delivering food.
It's difficult for ex-felons to find steady jobs even in good economic times, with unemployment rates sometimes as high as 75 percent for those one year out of prison. During the worst recession in a quarter century, it can be almost impossible.
“During worse times, employers are unwilling to take chance on anyone who seems at all risky,’’ said Devah Pager, an assistant sociology professor at Princeton University.
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