How many years should we make a person with a felony conviction wait until we let them have a job? Most people who are asked this question have an immediate answer without even thinking — “We should make them get a job the day they get out of prison!”
And wouldn’t that be lovely? That is the day people are filled with hope for a brand new future; the day they are filled with the courage to change the things they can. That is the day we as a society have the opportunity to welcome folks to a whole new way of life. That is the day to set people up for success.
Street Roots has been Portland’s flagship publication addressing homelessness and poverty since 1998. Recently our Beyond Barriers Program Director Patty Katz had a conversation with the managing editor, Joanne Zule, and when she told her of our “Think Outside the Box” campaign, she asked her to write a story for Street Roots. You may follow the link to: Street Roots, August 1, 2007, "Felony conviction question obstructs a fresh start on the job"
