There was a point when L.A. had the highest incarceration rate in the United States. President Richard Nixon declared a “War” on drugs during the ‘70s, which some say was just a cover-up to attack minorities as the government was secretly pumping cocaine into these communities to make arrests and “clean” up neighborhoods. That was discovered in 1994, as Nixon advisor John Ehrlichman admitted during an interview.
That initiative led to many arrests and an increase in incarceration rates, with gang violence also rising. Los Angeles jails and prisons were overfilled with inmates.
The justification for these arrests may depend on a “moral compass,” but nobody can deny the revolving door these arrests have put their victim in, as many have adjusting to life and end back in the prison system. People with criminal records struggle when it comes to looking for employment after being released from prison.
On average, over 60,000 Angelenos with a criminal record can’t find jobs because of their record, which increase recidivisim as most free short in providing for themselves and their family. Humanitarians are looking to lower that number and help past inmates with resources for employment and a way to provide for their families.
“They are historically marginalized despite their humanity and value to the public with their skills, they have not had their chance to thrive in the L.A. county workforce as they should.” Kelly LoBianco said. LoBianco is the executive director of the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity. She is one of the leaders supporting the Fair Chance initiative.
“We know our local businesses are looking for skilled and dependable employees, with Fair Chance Hiring, we can kill two birds with one stone as we can open businesses up to our massive talent pool and financially help once they partner with this,” LoBianco said as she explained why it is a good idea for a business to hire through the fair chance program.
Fair Chance Hiring is a program that helps connect businesses to local system-impacted individuals who are qualified and ready to work. Fair Chance Hiring offers benefits for businesses, the community, and prospective employees while offering other services and incentives within the program.
Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell is also an advocate of the Fair Chance Hiring program.
“My goal is to push the envelope and create opportunities like this to help people become more engaged within their community,” Mitchell said. “We want to bring resources to the community by encouraging employers to hire people regardless of past, so please spread the word. Help yourself by letting us help you.”
Learn more about the Fair Chance Hiring program and the business involved with the program by visiting https://tinyurl.com/3zz4kamk.
