|
You are receiving this newsletter because you are a member of the New York State Reentry Resource Center, a network of more than 2,000 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.
Note: If your Internet browser blocks pop-ups, hold the Ctrl key while you click on individual resources to download them directly.
*Happy Holidays From Reentry Net/NY*
If you are in New York City through the new year, please check out the billboard sponsored by the Fortune Society's David Rothenberg Center for Public Policy in Times Square that highlights the critical issue of employment discrimination against jobseekers with criminal histories. The billboard is part of Fortune's broader campaign to educate the general public about the critical issue of employment discrimination against qualified jobseekers with criminal histories. Click here for The New York Times coverage of the billboard.
*Resource Highlights*
Database of Service Providers for Individuals Eligible for Re-sentencing Under the 2009 Rockefeller Drug Law Reforms: This list compiled by the Drug Policy Alliance(DPA), in collaboration with The New York Academy of Medicine, includes detailed information about over 100 providers who have committed to offer services for people eligible to be re-sentenced under the new Rockefeller Drug Law reforms. Click here to view the list. Click here to read DPA's fact sheet explaining the reforms.
From Arrest to Reintegration: A Model for Mitigating Collateral Consequences of Criminal Proceedings: This article by McGregor J. Smyth, director of Reentry Net, highlights the impact of collateral consequences which are the invisible, often unintended, punishments that those caught in the criminal justice system face. The article recommends means by which defense and prosecution can reduce these effects, restore rights, allow individuals a chance to reintegrate into society, and reduce recidivism. Click here to read the article.
Lifelines Linking to Federal Benefits for People Exiting Corrections - Blueprint for Action: This report by the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law makes the case for assisting people with mental illnesses in corrections facilities to gain prompt access upon release to the federal benefits that enable successful reentry. It describes in detail what state and local governments and correctional facilities can do to enable individuals to access federal benefits promptly upon their release from incarceration. The publication explains the federal rules on benefit programs, calls for collaboration between corrections and mental health for sharing health information, and includes an extensive list of online resources. Click here to read the report.
Tools for Disputing Private Company Background Checks: Nearly all private employers use private companies to perform background checks on applicants. These companies are regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), meaning that they must follow certain guidelines. If someone has applied for a job and has been denied because of an error on a private company background check, he or she can dispute the error under FCRA. This folder includes links to the largest background check companies and their correction forms, a form for disputing errors, and other tools. Click here to visit the folder.
Remember to visit Past Resources of the Week for highlighted reports, toolkits, and training materials from the past year.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
*Upcoming Events*
Howie the Harp Peer Advocacy and Training Program: Howie the Harp, which provides training and support services that have successfully helped hundreds of mental health consumers find meaningful, permanent employment in the New York area is seeking interested applicants for Howie the Harp Peer Advocacy and Training Program for the upcoming class beginning in January. The program trains consumers of mental health services with experience in the criminal justice system to become peer counselors. Recruitment is ongoing, and orientations are every Friday. For more information, please contact Cecilia Hoskins at 212-865-0775 ext.2105 or choskins@communityaccess.org.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
*Funding Opportunities*
Re-Entry Scatter-Site Permanent Supportive Housing Initiative for Parolees in New York City: Sponsored by New York OASAS, an organization could receive up to $220,000 to create one scatter-site program of 12 apartments (10 studios and 2 one-bedroom units). The bids must be in by today, December 21, 2009.
Grants to Expand Substance Abuse Treatment Capacity in Targeted Areas of Need: This program is designed to foster the development and utilization of local recovery-oriented systems of care to address gaps in treatment capacity by supporting person-centered and self-directed approaches for substance abuse (including alcohol and drug) treatment and recovery services in communities with serious drug problems. Applications are due by January 14, 2010.
BJA Grant for Enhancing Adult Drug Court Services, Coordination and Treatment: The Bureau of Justice Assistance is seeking applications for funding for enhancing drug court services, coordination, and substance abuse treatment and recovery support services. Applications are due by February 11, 2010. Click here for the full announcement.
Remember to visit Reentry Net for full calendar listings and new job opportunities!
|
