Most of them are eager to get a job and lead a productive life. Unfortunately, nearly three-quarters of Hoosier employers are reluctant or flat-out refuse to hire ex-offenders. Without a job, it is nearly impossible for these individuals to establish a new life and become productive citizens. By hiring an ex-offender, you can help them reintegrate into society so they become a taxpayer instead of a tax burden.

Hiring an ex-offender is also a win for you the employer. Employed ex-offenders are some of the most dedicated and productive employees. They are overwhelmingly dependable and punctual and the turnover rate is atypically low because they are loyal to those who have given them a second chance.

Customer Consultation:
We profile your company to understand your business needs and determine the knowledge, skills abilities and aptitude that will make an employee successful in your organization

Screening:
We get to know each candidate beyond just their resume. We find out the skills and qualities that will achieve success for your organization. Each candidate goes through a lengthy and strenuous screening process for motivation, behavioral skills and workplace aptitude.

Sourcing:
Our Reentry Employment Coordinators identify the most qualified candidates for your openings utilizing our hands-on knowledge and experience with the potential candidates.

Performance:
Our commitment to you and the client do not end at a successful placement. We will provide follow-up at key intervals to ensure that each placement achieves the maximum success. Key performance metric include: Customer Satisfaction, Employee Retention and Employee Performance

Prior to Release:
DWD works with the Indiana Department of Corrections to screen applicants. After the screening process, DWD delivers a curriculum which focuses on soft skills, workplace aptitude and motivation.

Upon Release:
If necessary, participants will receive additional job training.

After Release:
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) will meet with the participant regularly for the first year to identify any work related issues or needs. DWD will also meet regularly with employers to discuss any changes in the program and address any employer needs.

1. Candidates who have displayed a positive track record:
   Candidates who have participated in training programs, education, career and personal development and employment opportunities while incarcerated.
   
2. Candidates identified as low or medium risk to re-offend by IDOC:
   No maximum security offenders
   No serious incarceration violations within the past year
   No known gang affiliations

For more information on the Hoosier Initiative for Re-Entry please contact us at hire@dwd.in.gov

Unemployed ex-offenders have an effect on the community. Here are some key facts to consider:

• It costs the State of Indiana $25,000 per year to incarcerate one offender. Annually, more than 20,000 offenders are released from Indiana prisons. Juveniles account for 1,300 of these offenders. After 3 years, 35% of offenders return to prison. When the individual remains unemployed, the rate increases to 60%.
• More than 70% of released inmates are parents. Children of these ex-offenders
  ...are most likely to be in the lowest 5% of income earners
  ...usually obtain similar or less education than their parents
  ...are more likely to commit crimes than children of non-offenders
• Employing 500 former inmates so they do not re-offend could save Hoosiers roughly $4 million a year.

Employers who hire ex-offenders may be eligible for Federal Bonding, a theft insurance program. This program allows employers to profit from an employee’s skills and ability without taking the risk of potential theft or dishonesty. The bond has no deductible and reimburses the employer for any loss due to employee theft. Bonds are issued in $5,000 increments with coverage up to $25,000 per at-risk employee. Bond coverage begins the day the new employee begins working and lasts for six months.

To apply for a Federal Bond fill out the application at www.in.gov/dwd/2459.htm and mail it to:

Indiana State Federal Bonding Coordinator
Indiana Department of Workforce Development
10 North Senate Avenue • Indianapolis, IN 46204