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Running head: LACK OF RESOURCES FOR INDIVIDUALS RECENTLY RELEASED

Lack of Resources for Individuals Recently Released

Shayna Quibell

University of Calgary
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I. Historical Policy Analysis

Introduction & History of Condition

Individuals recently released from jail face a multitude of barriers to finding

employment and becoming a meaningful member of society again. Due to these social

stigmas and barriers, these individuals oftentimes reoffend or struggle to live above the

poverty line. In the United States and Canada, methods for preventing crime and re-

incarceration have been mostly focused on extreme punishment to attempt to deter

individuals from committing a crime in the first place. Because of the United States push to

be tough on crime, starting with a spike in drug overdoses in 1988, many individuals of the

general public support the death penalty and life sentences for criminals (Sarah, 2013).

Society previously viewed criminals as individuals who were born that way and

unable to change. More recent research shows that lifestyle and the individuals upbringing

play a larger part as to whether they commit a crime or not. These factors are considered

health and social problems, including drug and alcohol misuse and high levels of

unemployment (Chris, Sharma & Stewart, 2008, 7). Mass media tends to depict criminals as

monsters to gain attention from the public. One often doesnt hear about the underlying

mental health issues the offender may have, or a traumatic upbringing that could have

triggered their violence later in life. This portrayal by the media dehumanizes criminals, and

results in a flawed perception of criminals by the general public. This way of thinking can be

detrimental to an individual with a criminal record when searching for meaningful

employment because employers are reluctant to hire them. The following quotation further

examines issues related to having a criminal record: The disgrace associated with a criminal

record is reported to have a number of adverse consequences for individuals, including

difficulty in finding a spouse, attenuating the probability of being admitted and receiving

funding to attend a university, hindering a person's ability to secure rental housing, impeding
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a person's ability to vote, and engendering negative health outcomes. A person with a

criminal record also finds it burdensome to secure quality and enduring employment because

employers view people who possess a criminal record as untrustworthy, lacking relevant job

skills, and inclined to steal.(Von Bergen & Bressler, 2016, 385). As part of Losekes

diagnostic frame, this type of prejudice and disgrace often displayed by society would fall

under the social forces of a condition (2003).

Current Situation and Services Available

According to Correctional Service Canada, rates of incarceration are decreasing. This

being said, in the 2015-2016 fiscal year in Canada there were 438 offenders per 100,000 adult

population (Statistics Canada, 2017). Donileen Loseke explains that a main feature for a

social problem is that is has to be widespread (2003). Indicators that this is a widespread

problem are shown by statistics such as: 9 out of 10 men and 8 out of 10 women incarcerated

have previous convictions, and on average, 58% of individuals released from jail reoffend

within a year (Correctional Service Canada, 2013., Chris, Sharma & Stewart, 2008). This

demonstrates that rates of reoffending are high, and suggests that there are not enough

services available for individuals being released from jail.

Services to help reduce the chance of reoffending are available while an individual is

still in jail completing their sentence, as well as available after release. In jail, services

include life skills training such as resume building, employability skills, and anger

management programs (Resz, 2008). Programs are also in place to work with an individual

on their post release plan so they can be prepared to re-enter society when the time comes

(Correctional Service Canada, 2013). Some of these programs can be court mandated, while

others can be requested by the incarcerated individual. Once an individual is released,

programs are limited. The John Howard Society and Elizabeth Fry Society are two of the

very few services provided specifically for individuals released from jail. Other organization
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can help with problems that tend to relate to incarceration such as homelessness, addiction,

and mental health issues; but in terms of specifically helping individuals with criminal

records find employment and reintegrate back into society, the options are usually limited to

the John Howard Society and the Elizabeth Fry Society.

Overview of Proposed Solutions and Service Needs

According to Loseke, a social problem must be something that should be changed,

and can be changed (2003). If individuals who are recently released dont have the resources

or services to find meaningful employment, they could end up living in poverty and

oftentimes, reoffending. This should be changed, because, according to the John Howard

Society, having services available allows individuals to make positive changes in their life,

and can provide an alternative to crime (Calgary John Howard Society, 2015).

Proposed solutions to this problem would include interventions specifically targeted at

helping individuals find and maintain employment. This means that there needs to be policy

changes, public education initiatives, and finally, an increase in quality services aimed at

helping individuals with criminal records find employment. The following proposed solutions

show that this social problem fits into Losekes theoretical framework, demonstrating that the

problem can be fixed (2003). In order to provide fair hiring opportunities, the Federal

Government should Ban the Box. This is the idea that the Government should require

public and/or private employers to consider a job candidates qualifications first, without the

stigma of a criminal record. In order to do this, the box asking whether you have ever been

convicted of a criminal record would be removed on hiring questionnaires, thus providing fair

hiring practices and a reduction in prejudices (Von Bergen & Bressler, 2016). This concept

has already been accepted by 23 States, and provides a path to hiring with less stigma and

discrimination.
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The second suggestion would be an increased amount of employment services for

individuals recently released. As mentioned above, The John Howard Society and Elizabeth

Fry Society currently do this, however, two organizations is simply not enough and wait lists

are months long. The services offered while incarcerated can be helpful, but oftentimes, jails

are overcrowded and it can be difficult to request these services. Based on the high need,

cities should provide a free program specifically offered for individuals recently released.

These services need to be accessible as soon as the individual is released, as this is usually a

very vulnerable time. The program would include how to speak about your criminal record in

an interview setting, as well as connections to employers willing to hire individuals with a

criminal record (Piquero, 2012).

Finally, for the above suggestions to be successful, it is important for the public to

understand the barriers individuals with criminal records face. A nation- wide public

education initiative could greatly reduce the stigma surrounding individuals with criminal

records and show employers and community members that there is a population of hirable

individuals in need of a job. This is a key component of Losekes theoretical framework,

because it would show the general public (the audience) that this is an important issue.

Claims could be made to pull empathy from the audience to increase the chance of

individuals understanding the seriousness of the issue (Loseke, 2003).

Interested Groups

Groups interested in this social problem would be the thousands of individuals with a

criminal record looking for work, individuals working in social services, employers, as well

as correctional services. Common interests within these groups include the desire for

individuals to not re- offend, and ideally maintain public safety. Individuals with a criminal

record, individuals working in the social sector and individuals working in correctional

services have an increased understanding of the issue and comprehend the importance of
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finding and maintaining employment once released. Conflict occurs when employers are not

willing to hire these individuals and are unable to look past their own personal biases.

Employers may find it difficult to understand that the individuals with criminal records can

change and deserve a second chance (Chris, Sharma & Stewart, 2008).

II. Social Problem Statement and Analysis

Social Problem Statement

As alluded to above, the social problem analyzed in this paper is as follows: After an

individual is released from incarceration, there is a lack of resources to find meaningful

employment and, as a result, there is a high chance that the individual re-offends or lives in

poverty. The information provided in the Historical Policy Analysis section of this paper

supports Losekes criteria for a social problem. The issue of not finding employment once

released from jail is troublesome, prevalent, and can and should be changed. As the Calgary

John Howard Society puts it, Poverty is both a cause and a consequence of crime.

Meaningful employment is one of the most successful ways for an individual to move out of

poverty and avoid becoming involved in criminal activity. When individuals are given an

opportunity to gain meaningful employment, it contributes to the overall health and safety of

our community(2017).

Who is Claiming the Social Problem, and How?

This social problem is being claimed by the individuals with a criminal record

struggling to find work. Individuals working in the social sector also recognize this problem,

and are claiming it. According to Loseke, these two groups are considered the claim makers

and share the goal of persuading audience members to define and respond to particular

conditions of a social problem (Loseke, 2003, 51). This is not a well known issue because

the individuals with criminal records are at the bottom of the hierarchy in terms of claim
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makers. Society does not value their opinions as much as scientists or professionals, so it is

very difficult for their voice to be heard (Loseke, 2003).

One strategy the claim makers are using is the strategy of deflecting blame and

condemnation as described in Losekes book (2003). By using this strategy, the claim makers

are taking the accusations away from the individual with a criminal record, and blaming

social aspects insead. By revealing the social issues that result in unemployment once

released, such as social stigmas and discrimination in job interviews, it becomes much easier

for the audience to support the claims being made.

What Authority are the Claim Makers Drawing On

The authority in this particular social situation comes from a reliance on morality, as

well as scientific research. Websites such as the one supported by the Calgary John Howard

Society (I Am More Than My Criminal Record) use a collection of personal stories to show

that these individuals are moral beings and worthy of care and compassion like any other

individual. Articles such as, Ban the box gives ex-offenders a fresh start in securing

employment explain in depth the discrimination and stigma that surrounds individuals with a

criminal record (Von Bergen & Bressler, 2016). There is extensive research and statistics on

how difficult life can be once you are released from incarceration, and it is up to the claim

makers (especially those with more authority, such as professionals working in the social

sector) to exploit this information and no longer allow this issue to go unnoticed.

Claim Makers Audience and Techniques

Audiences for this social problem include: policy makers, employers, community

members, and the individuals personally affected. It is extremely important for these

members of society to hear the claims being made, because that is how change can occur.

Policy makers and employers are especially influential for creating change with this

particular social problem.

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Claim makers use two techniques to try to persuade their audience. One way is to use

logical reasoning and show that individuals with criminal records deserve a second chance at

finding employment. Using statistics such as, According to the United States Justice

Department, between 60 and 75 percent of former inmates cannot find work in their first year

out of jail demonstrates the vastness of the problem, and logically points out the issue (Von

Bergen & Bressler, 2016, 385). One could also suggest that everyone makes mistakes in life,

so why should one mistake such as going to jail, have such an immense negative impact on

an individuals life and their ability to find a job. Claim makers also use emotionally moving

stories to persuade the audience of the problem (Loseke, 2003). Loseke further explains that

you should use emotion to draw the audience in to listen and empathize with your claim

(2003). An example of this is the public initiative by the John Howard Society called I Am

More Than My Criminal Record (Calgary John Howard Society, 2017). This public

initiative uses personal narratives to evoke emotion in the audience. The stories are written in

a way that it is easy to relate to the victim, and ideally, persuade individuals to take the

condition seriously (Loseke, 2003). By using emotion to show that incarcerated individuals

are also victims, it could help the audience empathize with these people more, and therefore

care more about the issue. The issue of employment equality is another method Loseke

explains for making successful claims. By showing the inequality, and how difficult it can be

to find a job with a criminal record, it makes it easier for an audience to understand that it is a

social problem (Loseke, 2003).

What the Claim Makers Are Hoping the Audience Will Do, Based on the Claims

The Claim Makers are hoping that the audience will realize that this is a problem in

the first place, and once that occurs, create change to help lessen the chance of recidivism

once released. This issue isnt simply an individual problem; it is a problem for society as a

whole. It is extremely important for the audience to understand this. Ideally, the audience will
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embrace the proposed solutions explained earlier in this paper, and support Government

funding for these initiatives. Policy changes, such as the Ban the Box initiative would

greatly reduce discrimination when applying for jobs; and a nation-wide public education

initiative would ideally have the same effect (Von Bergen & Bressler, 2016). More programs

and services are needed, and if the audience understands this, then funding could be set aside

to support these programs.

Conclusion

The issue of finding meaningful employment with a criminal record is a social

problem as defined by Loseke (2003). It is troublesome, and prevalent among individuals

released from prison. Importantly, it is also a problem that can and should be fixed. Proposed

solutions, such a Federal support for the Ban the Box initiative, increased public awareness,

and more resources available to individuals are all ways this problem could be marginalized.

In order for individuals to understand how extensive this issue is, claim makers must use

different strategies to appeal to their audience. Strategies such as logical reasoning, and

emotional persuasion are both effective methods for appealing to an audience (Loseke, 2003).

Only once the audience is aware of the issue, will change occur.
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References

Calgary John Howard Society. (2015) Retrieved from

http://www.calgaryjohnhoward.org/AboutUs/index.html.

Calgary John Howard Society. (2017) Retrieved from

https://iammorethanmycriminalrecord.com/.

Chris, M., Sharma, N. & Stewart, D. (2008) Factors linked to reoffending: a one-year follow-

up of prisoners who took part in the Resettlement Surveys 2001, 2003 and 2004.

Ministry of Justice. 1-8.

Loseke, D.R. (2003). Thinking about social problems. An introduction to constructionist

perspectives (2nd ed.). New York: Aldine De Gruyter.

Piquero, A. R. (2012), Obeying signals and predicting future offending. Criminology &

Public Policy, (11), 5159.

Resz, H. (2008). Life after incarceration: prisoner employment program teaches job and life

skills. Alaska Business Monthly, 114.

Sarah. (June, 2013). Societys reaction to crime. [Web log content] Retrieved from

https://soapboxie.com/government/Societys-Reaction-to-Crime.

Statistics Canada. (2017). Retrieved from

https://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85-002-x/2017001/article/14700-eng.htm.

Von Bergen, C.W., & Bressler, M. S. (2016). "Ban the box" gives ex-offenders a fresh start

in securing employment. Labor Law Journal, 67(2), 383-395.

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Ministerial Briefing: Lack of Resources For Individuals Released From Incarceration

CORE 425

University of Calgary

Addressed to:

Honorable Jody Wilson-Raybould (Canadian Ministry of Justice)

Hill Office House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1A 0A6

Honorable Kathleen Ganley (Alberta Minister of Justice and Solicitor General)

424 Legislature Building, 10800- 97 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2B6

Within the scope and budget of the current business plan

Outside the scope of the current business plan
Within the scope of the participating departments' business plans but outside the scope of
their current budgets

MINISTERS SIGNATURES

_______________________________________
Honorable Jody Wilson-Raybould

_______________________________________
Honorable Kathleen Ganley
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November 17th, 2017

Ministerial Brief

Subject
After an individual is released from incarceration, there is a lack of resources for them to find
meaningful employment.

Issue
When an individual is attempting to reintegrate into society following incarceration, there is a
lack of resources available to help them find meaningful employment. Oftentimes, this results
in the individual reoffending, or living in poverty. There are currently no policies in place to
protect individuals rights when applying for employment, and therefore, these individuals
face discrimination due to their criminal record. Public education initiatives, as well as
training to prepare individuals with criminal records for interviews are necessary
interventions to combat this social problem.

Background
An individual with a criminal record faces a multitude of barriers in their day-to- day life, one
of the most detrimental being that it is difficult to find and maintain employment. The social
stigma surrounding having a criminal record is so negative, that oftentimes, individuals who
are recently released find it extremely difficult to feel a part of society again. They become
devalued by society, and are not given the opportunity for a second chance. Due to mass
media, and other factors, people with criminal records are generally misunderstood and
judged too harshly by the general public.

According to Corrections Canada, 9 out of 10 men and 8 out of 10 women incarcerated have
previous convictions. This means that the resources provided in and out of prison to prevent
reincarceration are failing Canadians. Finding meaningful employment is one of the best
ways to deter an individual from committing another crime, and falling into the cycle of
poverty. The overall health and safety of Canadians is directly affected when individuals are
given the tools and resources to find meaningful employment.

Current and Future Trends

Currently in Alberta, there are programs both in and out of prison to help individuals
successfully reintegrate back into society once they are released. The problem is that there is
simply not enough resources to help every individual who needs it. Non-profit organizations
such as the John Howard Society have programs in place to help individuals with a criminal
record find employment, but wait lists are long. When applying for jobs, individuals with a
criminal record are discriminated against before even continuing on to the interview portion
due questionnaires asking if an individual has ever been convicted of a crime. If they do
advance to the interview part of the selection process, many people do not know how to
appropriately speak about their criminal record and often overshare. Furthermore, because
there are not enough resources to teach individuals of their rights in a job interview, many
people do not know what they are required to say, and what they are permitted to omit.
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Proposed Action and Recommendations

1) Ban the Box policy change. In order for fair hiring to occur, Federally banning the box
regarding criminal records on interview questionnaires gives individuals a chance to be hired
for their skills, instead of discriminated against due to their past.
2) Increased funding for employment services both in and out of prison for individuals being
released from prison. Programs specifically for individuals with criminal records provides
them with a chance to show they are serious about finding meaningful employment, as well
as gives them the tools and skills to be successful in their job search.
3) Nation- wide public education initiative. This would be helpful in receiving public support
for the above recommendations. Many individuals do not understand how difficult life with a
criminal record can be. A public education initiative could change societys views and create
more welcoming communities to ease reintegration for individuals released from prison.

Key Outcomes
- A reduction in discrimination of people with criminal records in the hiring process.
More individuals released from jail securing meaningful employment and becoming
valued members of society.
- An increase in services available to those with criminal records. Shorter wait lists for
existing programs due to the creation of new ones.
- An increase in public awareness surrounding the difficulties of finding meaningful
employment with a criminal record.

References
Calgary John Howard Society. (2015) Retrieved from
http://www.calgaryjohnhoward.org/AboutUs/index.html.
Chris, M., Sharma, N. & Stewart, D. (2008) Factors linked to reoffending: a one-year follow-
up of prisoners who took part in the Resettlement Surveys 2001, 2003 and 2004.
Ministry of Justice. 1-8.
Statistics Canada. (2017). Retrieved from
https://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85-002-x/2017001/article/14700-eng.htm.
Von Bergen, C.W., & Bressler, M. S. (2016). "Ban the box" gives ex-offenders a fresh start
in securing employment. Labor Law Journal, 67(2), 383-395.