User:Hako97/sandbox

Implementation of "Ban the Box"
The "Ban the Box" movement requires employers to eliminate the question on a job application that asks about an applicant's criminal history and attempts to reduce an employers' accessibility to criminal records until later on in the application process. The goal of this initiative is to decrease discrimination against applicants who may have a criminal history. Hawaii was the first state to implement the law in 1998. In 2015, President Obama "banned the box" on applications for federal government jobs. Many private employers, including Wal-Mart, Target, and Koch Industries, decided to initiate the policy before it was required to do so due to public pressure.

Restrictions imposed by Ban the Box on employers in regards to criminal history:


 * 1) What employers can ask prospective employees before they are hired
 * 2) When an employer can inquire about ones criminal history
 * 3) How far back in ones criminal history an employer can inquire about

There are also differences in legislation from state to state. These differences include: the types of jobs and employers who are covered, what stage of employment an employer can inquire about an applicants criminal history, and to what extent criminal records can be utilized when making decisions on offering employment.

"Jurisdictions across the United States have adopted "ban the box" (BTB) policies preventing employers from conducting criminal background checks until late in the job application process. Their goal is to improve employment outcomes for those with criminal records, with a secondary goal of reducing racial disparities in employment." In 1998, Honolulu County in Hawaii implemented "Ban the Box." A study done by the American Journal of Criminal Justice implemented a study to test the effectiveness of Ban the Box in regards to employment and the likelihood for there to be repeat offenders.

Already on the current Wiki page:

"As of 2018, 11 US states have mandated the removal of conviction history questions from job applications for private employers."

Look more into history, a more defined timeline of campaigns, initiatives.

Re-entry Apprenticeships
Apprenticeship programs for individuals who have been previously incarcerated aim to decrease recidivism and increase re-entry employment. The Post-Release Employment Project cross analyzed data of inmates who utilized re-entry apprenticeship programs amongst those who did not. It has been found that post-prison programs increase an ex-inmate's likelihood to retain employment. Participation in work and job skill programs decreased an inmates likelihood of being recommitted by 8 to 12 years. The three main types of re-entry apprenticeship programs are: "jobs in the prison setting, short term vocation training in prison, and short term assistance in the job search process upon release." Research done by Uggan in 2000, concluded that these programs have the greatest effects on individuals older than 26 years old. Andrews et al., highlights the importance of catering prison programs to the needs of a specific offender. Not everyone will benefit equally from these programs and this form of training has found to only be beneficial to for those who are ready to exit crime. An example of a re-entry apprenticeship program is Job Corps. Job Corps is a residential program centered around work, providing a structured community for at-risk teens. In 2000, an experiment done by Schochet et al., found that those who were not enrolled in the program were had an arrest rate 15.9% higher than those who were enrolled in the program.

There has been a variety of experiments that have researched the effectiveness of using apprenticeship and vocational training for those incarcerated. These training programs were effective in providing those re-entering society with long-term employment.

types of re-entry apprenticeship/vocational programs:

data collected of over 7000 offenders on the effect and efficiency of vocational training...analyze and summarize key data points

Transitional Aid Research Project (TARP) - examined influence of providing ex - offenders with compensation

Minnesota Comprehensive Offender Reentry Plan -

It is often difficult for former inmates to find employment after their first year out of jail. The Justice Department estimates that 60-75% of individuals who were previously incarcerated do not find work after one year post incarceration.

Ban the Box (Area):
Most of the article is the history section, which has a lot of condensed information that can be broken up and expand upon. The historical overview is brief but includes history, implementation, controversies... I think there is a lot of additional information that can be provided in its own respective sections. I think the page is not as fluid as I would like it to be. The history starts from its inception of a campaign in the 1990s and then jumps to the 2010s without giving progress on the time in between. I would like to research what occurred between that time gap, what type of campaigning and lobbying took place and whether legislation was ever proposed, what types of campaigning was done etc... After the history section, there is a section for Fair Chance and Implementation, but these both only have a sentence or two. I think there is a lot of room for expansion and research while simultaneously being a niche and specific topic.

Apprenticeship (Sector):
Apprenticeship has a very interesting history globally and in the US. The history of apprenticeship has had different meanings over time, but has progressed to be an alternative career route for many individuals going into skill-oriented work. The amount of people participating in apprenticeships in the US has increased by 225,000 in the past 2 years and is projected to double by next year. This wiki article is thorough in the implementation of apprenticeships throughout the world and the history of the different types of programs. The article has a neutral tone, however I think that many of the verbiage can be simplified. For example, the article mentions "tracking" but does not define what tracking is. Many of the articles I found focus on using apprenticeship programs for a means of re-entry for individuals who have been previously incarcerated and would like to implement a section that goes deeper into that topic.

Ban the Box:
The Bread Project works with many individuals who may have been previously incarcerated or may have been previous arrested/charged for a misdemeanor. Many of these individuals therefore may have issues finding employment due to these circumstances regardless of if they have gone through rehabilitation or re-entry preparation programs. Ban the Box is an initiative that would directly affect many participants in the Bread Project Boot Camp program as their likelihood for finding employment may increase. I would like to do more research into the initiative, where it is being implemented and the effects it has had on employment and the job market.

Apprenticeship:
The Bread Project, similar to an apprentice program, provides a 4-week training program for individuals interested in working in the food industry. The Bread Project provides certification, California Food Handler's License, and a certificate of completion from the program. Participants work alongside an experienced chef and are provided resources to receive further training thereafter and opportunities for future work.

Ban the Box (Area):
"Does 'Ban the Box' Help or Hurt Low-Skilled Workers?"

This journal investigates the effects of Ban the Box. Ban the Box prohibits employers from conducting background checks until further along in the job application process. The article discusses that the goal to decrease employment discrimination and racial disparities may become overshadowed by employers making unwarranted assumptions on the applicant which can be counterproductive in regards to the goal of the initiative, "employers might avoid interviewing young, low-skilled, black and Hispanic men when criminal records are not observable." The article tests the effects of Ban the Box for various demographic groups and found that the initiative decreased the effects of getting hired for Black and Hispanic men. This would be a good article to use when assessing the effectiveness of the program.

"Ban the Box, Criminal Records, and Statistical Discrimination: A Field Experiment"

This field experiment sent out 15,000 fictitious applications in NY/NJ to investigate the callback rates of applicants of different races. This journal assesses whether or not having a criminal record is a barrier to employment and specifically whether or not it is dependent on race. The experiment also assess the effectiveness of the initiative by comparing callback rates of companies that enact BTB and those that do not. This article has a lot of statistical evidence that can be utilized as factual, neutral basis of an argument.

"The Effect of Hawaii's Ban the Box Law on Repeat Offending"

This article investigates whether or not the implementation of BTB in Hawaii reduced the likelihood for repeat offenders. This is an interesting article to apply to The Bread Project and the initiative on whether or not it was affective not only in increase employment and decreased discrimination from the employers end, but whether or not it was successful in eliminating the likelihood for a prospective employee to commit another crime. The journal looks at the relationship between unemployment and probability for repeat offense. This article also elaborates on "The Stigma of a Criminal Record and Labor Force Participation," and "The Relationship Between Unemployment and Crime." The can be included in the United States sub-heading as data and evidence as ways in which the initiative has been successful.

"The Centerpiece to Real Reform? Political, Legal, Social Barriers to Reentry in California"

This article analyzing California's mode of re-entry for up to 120,000 prisoners released back into society. The re-entry rate in California is exceedingly high, as 2/3 of the 120,000 released, find their way back in California prisons within 3 years. This information highlights what the Bread Project is doing by providing somewhat of a re-entry opportunity to help individuals train for a job with the intention of finding employment.

"Ban the Box: Protecting Employer Rights While Improving Opportunities for Ex-offender Job Seekers"

This article discusses the various obstacles that formerly incarcerated individuals have to face when exiting the prison system and re-entering back into mainstream society. The intent of the journal article is to provide a more developed understanding of the legislation and the different ways it can be understood/perceived and how it will effect the lives of those who were previously incarcerated. The article also talks about the different ways in which Ban the Box is implemented in different parts of the US on different levels of government; federal, state and local. This article gives a good background on Ban The Box legislation, its history, and implementation. This article argues the positives and negatives of the legislation, shedding light on possible concerns employers may have in addition to the positive influence the legislation has on re-entry individuals. This is helpful for adding to my section on implementation.

"Thinking Outside The Box: Reforming Employment Discrimination Doctrine To Combat the Negative Consequences of Ban-the-Box Legislation"

This article assesses the possible consequences of ban the box legislation. The possible consequences entail the presence of further discrimination based on "race in place of records." The article poses the possibility of replacing ban the box legislation with stronger employment discrimination rules. This article proposes alternative solutions to ban-the-box. This could provide for a powerful counter point. This article will be helpful in developing a well rounded, and informative section as it provides background, goals, effects of the legislation and possible alternative solutions.

"The Public’s Stance on Prisoner Reentry: Policy Support and Personal Acceptance"

This article gives background on the public opinion on reentry individuals and services that are praised and supported. The article also describes the differences between the type of services that are provided in reentry programs. I like how this article touches upon both my sector and area and it mentions ban the box but also a variety of other reentry programs as well and their effectiveness.

Apprenticeship (Sector):
Within the apprenticeship Wikipage, I would like to add or elaborate on ways in which apprenticeship programs can be a means of re-entry for those previously incarcerated and ways in which this type of program has been successful.

"Training Inmates through Industrial Work Participation and Vocational and Apprenticeship Instruction"

This journal collected data on 7,000 offenders to research eh relationship between vocational programs of inmates and the effect on the inmate once they were release, did this inmate find a job? Were they more likely to re-commit a crime and find their way back into the prison system? The research found that the training was effective on likelihood of finding employment after release and the lowered probability of being recommitted. This can be utilized as data to support the implementation of vocational programs in prisons to aid re-entry.

Vocational Schooling versus Apprenticeship Training. Evidence from Vacancy Data.

This article deciphers between different types of job-training programs including apprenticeships and vocational schooling. The research looks at the different outcomes of each program and the different effects each may have. The journal compares the rates at which one finds employment after an apprenticeship, which is on the job training versus a vocational school which is a somewhat structured education on a topic. The article compares vocational education with apprenticeship training; job opportunities, wages, education etc... This comparison can be useful if I decide to do a section comparing the two, whereas The Bread Project would be consider more of an apprenticeship as the students are gaining the first hand, personal experience and whether or not this is more effective than vocational school.

"Making Learning Visible: Identification, Assessment and Recognition of Non-Formal Learning in Europe"

This article assesses the practice of unconventional forms of education and the ways in which these means have proven to be beneficial. Although this article focuses on primarily the EU, the success of these types of programs can be addressed under those headers. The article thoroughly examines a variety of countries and how the implementation of informal education outside of the standard classroom has proven to be crucial in altering the means of education and therefore the opportunities of employment. I think this is a really great proponent for informal training, which is an example of what the Bread Project does with its participants and highlights what an apprenticeship is.

Prisoner Reentry: What Works, What Does Not, and What is Promising

This article gives a well detailed background assessment on the history of prison reentry, changes that have been made to the system ("increased emphasis on surveillance," etc...) The author describes how the changes within these programs have been inefficient. The author also gives various examples of reentry programs, such as the use of apprenticeship and argues that these programs assist in facilitating reentry and reducing the likelihood of repeat offense. The examples of reentry programs in this article will be helpful in my assessment and addition.

"Reentry and Prison Work Programs"

Here is another article that highlights the emphasis that prison work programs have on recidivism. The journal describes the programs; jobs in the prison setting, short term vocational, and short term assistance as well as the goals for each program and effectiveness. The issues that occur when someone leaves prison without any program, and how reentry programs, like apprenticeships can be helpful. The descriptions of each type of vocational/prison apprenticeship will help shape the descriptions of my own.

Can Employers Play a More Positive Role in Prison Reentry

This article provides a bit more data and numerical stats on how many individuals are released from prison each year as well as the reason as to why so many employers are averse to hiring re-entry folk. The article provides evidence as to why Employers are Unwilling to Hire Ex-Offenders. This article can provide background to the stigmas and stereotypes that surround ex-criminals and affect their ability to get hired after being freed from incarceration.

Incarceration to Reentry

This article gives a good background on the demographics of those incarcerated and parallels it with the variance in education of that population. The article also touches upon possible reentry programs that can be established, such as apprenticeship. This source cites many government studies that have good statistics that can be used throughout the article. The article also gives examples of specific programs that have been enacted such as "Second Chance Pell in Ohio." This article has resourceful, measurable data and suggestions for the future.