Legislative committee wants to help former inmates rejoin society; 8/21/2008
KLBJ: A report from the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition says the first way to get former inmates integrated into society is to get them back in the workforce but that is easier said than done. Coalition Director Ana Yanez-Correa says for one thing if that job takes a professional license a former inmate can’t do it because they can’t get the license. "So there’s 168 professions that you are just out of luck even through you have done your time." She will ask lawmakers to change that so non-violent non-sex offenders can get those professional licenses if they are qualified. She will also ask for money for re-entry programs that can provide job training for former inmates. She says helping an inmate re-enter society and get work not only helps the former inmate, it helps their families.
Criminal Justice Solutions In The News - August 2008