Unsure of where to turn

Housing

79% are ineligible or denied housing.

Employment

Less than 10% receive a callback.

Education

Less than 20% admitted to colleges.

1 in 3 Americans Have a Record

A criminal record can be a lifelong barrier to economic security and mobility, with adverse effects on families, communities, and our entire economy.

Intergenerational Continuity

45% of American males have a record by age 23

Formerly Incarcerated

67% remain unemployed five years after release

Child Support

More than one-third cannot pay and face additional penalties

650,000

Released from prison back to their communities each year

4,400,000

Adults are currently supervised on probation or parole

180,000

Women are banned from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

45,000

Laws restrict access to occupational licenses

1 in 2 children have at least one parent with a criminal record

The consequences of having a criminal record do not occur in isolation but have direct and substantial impacts for families and communities. These barriers undermine the five pillars of family well-being—income, savings and assets, education, housing, and family strength and stability—and, in turn, negatively affect family cohesion. As a result, people with records lose access to opportunities, driving and keeping their families in poverty across generations.

These children are six times more likely to be justice involved during their youth – especially if their mother has been incarcerated

Assistance

1 in 5 people with a record who sought support were denied public benefits like food stamps, most with children living in the home.

Employment

75% of formerly incarcerated people are still unemployed one year after release.

Loans

1 in 4 were denied or barred from educational loans because of their conviction.

Family

68% of formerly incarcerated people are forced to live with family or transitional housing.

Basic Needs

2 in 3 families report having difficulty meeting basic needs as a result of a loved one’s conviction.

Women

81% of formerly incarcerated women were unable to afford housing after release.

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