Fair Chance Employment: Opening Doors to Opportunity

Local governments have experienced significant disruptions in their workforce both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, causing county officials to seek out alternative talent pipelines to fill their open positions. One initiative that has been increasingly utilized across the country is Fair Chance Employment, also known as Second-Chance Employment.

As inclusivity and diversity are increasingly prioritized in businesses and organizations around the world, Fair Chance Employment emerges as a crucial initiative to ensure everyone, including those with criminal records, has an equal opportunity to succeed. Approximately 1 in 3 Americans has some sort of criminal record, and the unemployment rate among these individuals is almost 30%. In addition to those with a record, others that struggle with homelessness, disabilities, and more also consistently hit barriers to employment.

Let’s delve deeper into Fair Chance Employment and what organizations across the country are doing to help struggling individuals find jobs regardless of their backgrounds.

Understanding Fair Chance Employment

Fair chance employment refers to the practice of providing equal job opportunities to individuals with criminal records, however it can also be applied to those that have struggled with homelessness, disabilities, poverty, and other obstacles.

The core of fair chance employment lies in the belief that everyone deserves a fair chance at building a stable and successful life, regardless of past mistakes. It encourages employers to evaluate candidates based on their skills, experience, and potential, rather than their criminal history. Some key factors that organizations use in Fair Chance Employment include:

• Ban the Box: This involves removing questions about criminal history from initial job applications. It allows candidates to be evaluated based on their qualifications first. Many jurisdictions have implemented "Ban the Box" laws, but companies can voluntarily adopt this practice as well.

• Reform background checks: Delaying background checks until later in the hiring process ensures that candidates are judged on their skills and fit for the role before their criminal history is considered.

• Update job applications: In addition to eliminating questions relating to criminal history, it is important to include inclusive language and state that a company is an equal opportunity employer.

North Dakota Fair Chance Job Fair

The state of North Dakota is one that has been making headway into Fair Chance Employment. An annual Fair Chance Job Fair helps connect employers to job seekers that have been facing difficulties, typically due to a criminal record. These struggling individuals have access to great networking opportunities and resources to prepare them for a new career. There are even many employers that attend that sometimes hire on the spot, and many people leave the event with a job.

LA County Fair Chance Ordinance

Another example of embracing Fair Chance Employment took place this past February in Los Angeles County. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to adopt the County’s Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (FCO) in line with the California Fair Chance Act (FCA). This was put into place to ensure that individuals with criminal records have fair access to employment regardless of their background. 

With the FCA, it became illegal for employers to have bans that exclude all applicants with criminal records, and they cannot ask questions about such a record before extending a conditional job offer. The LA County FCO brings more clarification to applicant rights and improves enforcement of these policies by introducing penalties for violations.

Fair Chance Employment is not just a moral imperative but a practical solution to several societal challenges. By providing equal opportunities to individuals with criminal records, we can foster safer communities, boost economic growth, and create more inclusive workplaces. 

Sedna Consulting Group recently attended the 2024 NACo Annual Conference & Exposition where we discussed various topics related to county governance and technology, innovation, and more. We are proud to provide equitable access to employment for every individual regardless of their background. Visit us on LinkedIn to keep up with our latest insights.

Sources:

https://opportunity.lacounty.gov/how-we-help/build-back-better/fair-chance-hiring-program/

https://www.thehrdigest.com/why-your-business-should-embrace-fair-chance-hiring-now/

https://www.kxnet.com/news/state-news/fair-chance-job-fair-looks-to-remedy-americas-rising-unemployment-rates/