Program Example

The Ex-Felon Employment Initiative, based out of the the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, identifies ways to move first-time, low-level drug dealers into employment and away from both the courts and the streets. To supplant the Initiative, the DA’s office partnered with NEDLC to determine industries in San Francisco capable of providing good wages and/or career advancement opportunities for criminal offenders.

This research culminated in a report, Employing Offenders in San Francisco: A Sector Research Methodology, which contained findings and some recommended strategies about how to work with ex-felons and employers in construction and social services. In researching the report, NEDLC staff reviewed demographic and labor market information and conducted focus groups with employers and ex-felons to learn more about these industries and the experiences of ex-felons in them. The data gathered were then used to identify a target industry that met specific criteria, including accessibility to the target population, demand for workers, high wages, and potential career ladders. The two industries that surfaced from this research were special trade construction and social services.

The report was presented to employers, exfelons, government and justice system representatives, training providers, and other community stakeholders in spring 2003. In addition to identifying exemplary industries for employing ex-offenders, the report is also intended to help workforce initiatives understand and make connections to the target population and develop essential partnerships with the community, employers, and training providers.