Summit to highlight workforce development programs for ex-offenders

U.S. ATTORNEY for Rhode Island Peter F. Neronha will discuss financial incentives and benefits of hiring ex-offenders at a summit next month. / COURTESY U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
U.S. ATTORNEY for Rhode Island Peter F. Neronha will discuss financial incentives and benefits of hiring ex-offenders at a summit next month. / COURTESY U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

PROVIDENCE – Outreach efforts by U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Department of Corrections director A.T. Wall have led to “Road Map to Reentry: Community Workforce Development,” a summit geared toward educating Rhode Island business owners, employers and hiring managers about the financial incentives and benefits of hiring ex-offenders.

Neronha stressed the idea that most offenders do not stay in jail indefinitely, and that at some point most return to their communities.

“If these individuals return to a future that is no future at all, they are very likely to commit another crime … Once former inmates are out, we have to do everything we can to make sure that they stay out. Most want to work, and want to work hard. What they need is a chance … In a country where nearly one in three Americans of working age has some kind of criminal record, we simply cannot ignore or permanently sideline this part of our workforce,” he said.

Recidivism, an ex-offender returning to prison for crimes committed after an initial release, is greatly reduced when employment opportunities are offered to ex-offenders.

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The summit, which will be held on May 25 at the Radisson Hotel in Warwick from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., will address how the business community can integrate the approximately 3,000 ex-offenders released back into mainstream society every year in Rhode Island.

Companies including Cumberland-based Pet Food Experts will discuss hiring practices, successes and challenges associated with employing formerly incarcerated individuals.

In addition, select ex-offenders will speak at the summit addressing their personal challenges and the rewards of finding employment after their release.

Speakers also will include experts from the state Department of Labor & Training as well as state and federal probation supervisors who will outline support systems available to ex-offenders during their employment search and employers looking to become involved.

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