You are receiving this newsletter because you are a member of the New York State Reentry Resource Center, a network of more than 1,000 advocates and direct service providers from all around the state. Each month, we bring you resource highlights, news, and policy updates from the online resource center.
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*Governor Signs the Employer Education Act*
On August 6, 2008, Governor Patterson signed into law the Employer Education Act (S7638-A/A.10288-A) which educates employers about hiring laws for persons with a criminal record. Drafted by The Fortune Society's David Rothenberg Center for Public Policy (DRCPP), the law requires employers and potential employers to include a copy of Article 23-A of the Correction Law (NYS anti-discrimination law, protecting job seekers with criminal records from unfair discrimination) when providing a consumer report containing criminal conviction information to a third party, as well as requiring the posting of Article 23-A in various places of employment. Reentry Net/NY congratulates The Fortune Society and DRCPP for their work in getting the Employer Education Act passed and signed into law.
*Resource Highlights*
Updated New York Public Benefits Manual: Recently revised (June 2008) to reflect the most recent changes in law and regulations, this manual by Neighborhood Legal services provides information about public assistance since the 1996 Federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act and the 1997 New York State Welfare Reform Act. Click here to read the manual.
Facts about Prison and Prisoners: One page fact sheet prepared by The Sentencing Project that outlines the growing number of incarcerated persons in federal and state prisons with details on race, gender, substance abuse and crime offenses. Click here to read the fact sheet.
OCFS Letter on Preparation for "Opt-out" Provision for Conducting Criminal History Record Checks on Applicants for Adoptive or Foster Parenthood: Informational letter from the Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS) explaining new policies effective October 1, 2008 restoring mandatory disqualification of applicants for adoptive or foster care who have been convicted of certain felonies. The policy applies to new applicants only, and should not be applied retroactively to adoptive or foster parents already certified or approved. Click here to read the letter.
Remember to visit Past Resources of the Week for highlighted reports, toolkits, and training materials from the past year.
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*Upcoming Events & Opportunities*
Citizens Against Recidivism is now accepting nominations for their annual Citizens’ Award which will be given to formerly incarcerated individuals who have made a difference in the lives of formerly incarcerated people or others in need of help. If you would like to nominate someone, please see below. All applications must be received by Friday, September 26. For additional information please call: (212) 252-2235 or email info@citizensinc.org
Workshop on Child Support and Public Benefits: This workshop by Community Service Society/The Center for Benefits and Services will provide an introduction to New York’s child support system and policies as they pertain to low-income families. There will be an overview of NYC’s child support enforcement system, how child support interacts with public benefits and child care subsidies, vehicles for redressing wrongs in the child support system, and related advocacy issues. The workshop will also highlight child support issues that are of particular significance to teen parents and the formerly incarcerated. The workshop will be held on August 20 and the cost of registration is $40.00. For more information contact Migdalia Molina at mmolina@cssny.org or 212-614-5497.
The College Initiative Fall '08 Student Celebration: The College Initiative invites you to attend the student celebration on Wednesday, August 20, 2008. Join the College Initiative to honor recent graduates, see the new CI video, register to vote and learn about a new research project on the intergenerational impact of college. Please contact Charlene at 718-960-1971 or charlene.griffin@lehman.cuny.edu
Coalition for Women Prisoners Reentry Committee Meeting: Join the Coalition for Women Prisoners to discuss ways to support the reentry process for women returning home from incarceration. The Coalition is advocating for a bill that requires Medicaid applications to be processed prior to release and will also be discussing housing issues. The meeting will be held on Friday, September 5, 2008 at the Correctional Association. For more information, contact Serena Alfieri at 212-254-5700 x311 or salfieri@correctionalassociation.org
Fall Occasional Series on Reentry Research: The Prisoner Reentry Institute will kick off its fall occasional series on Reentry Research on September 12 2008 with Venezia Michalsen, a professor at Montclair State University and formerly the Research Director at the Women's Prison Association(WPA) who will present the results of a new WPA report "Women, Reentry and Everyday Life: Time to Work? Respondents will include Alison Link, a Consultant at the Leisure Link, and Nancy O’Brien, Transitional Advocate at the Center for Community Alternatives. Please RSVP to Amelia Thompson at 212-484-1399 or amthompson@jjay.cuny.edu
Remember to visit Reentry Net for full calendar listings and new job opportunities!
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