The Nevada Department of Corrections works to provide re-entry services for inmates who are leaving the correctional facility and re-acclimating themselves into society. The re-entry program provides elective program services to inmates to help prepare them for the transition back into the local community. Nevada business owners can help support this program while also receiving tax incentives by employing individuals leaving the department’s Casa Grande Transitional Housing facility.
“The job market is tough as it is,” explains Bradford R. Glover, MCJ, Re-Entry Coordinator and Program Officer III for the Nevada Department of Corrections. “These people are ready to get to work, and they’re willing to work hard.”
According to Glover, one of the biggest obstacles facing recently-released inmates is being able to find gainful employment. Re-entry involves the use of programs targeted at promoting the effective reintegration of offenders back to communities upon release from prison and jail. Re-entry programming, which often involves a comprehensive case management approach, is intended to assist offenders in acquiring the life skills needed to succeed in the community and become
law-abiding citizens.
A variety of programs are used to assist offenders in the re-entry process, including pre-release counseling, drug rehabilitation, vocational training and work programs. Despite the department’s efforts, ex-offenders often have a difficult time securing employment upon release. According to Glover, the stigma of hiring an ex-offender can weigh heavily on business owners because they harbor concerns about the safety of having an ex-offender in the workplace. Glover is working to ensure business owners understand that each potential new hire is carefully screened before being sent on job interviews.
“There are no sex offenders or violent offenders in this program,” says Glover. “It is someone who made a mistake and is ready to be transitioned back into the community. We give them tools, education, training and a ‘New Beginnings’ class that focuses on job readiness.”
Glover says the process is simple. Interested businesses contact Casa Grande and provide the criteria they are looking for in an employee. The program then screens potential candidates and sends the best-matched person for the job. Glover says if it does not work out, the employee can be removed and replaced with someone better suited to the position and company.
In return for supporting this valuable program, business owners who employ Casa Grande Transitional Housing residents qualify for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. This credit provides up to $2,400 in tax credit per qualified hire.
“If even one ex-offender gets placement,” says Glover. “that’s a good thing for everyone.”
For more information on the available tax credit, visit www.detr.state.nv.us/es/es_wotc.htm. You can learn more about the re-entry program by contacting Bradford Glover at 702.879.6685.
