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Stepping Up - Better Your Life with Re-Entry Assistance

April 6, 2020

Returning to society after being released from serving time can be difficult, but resources are available to help you along the way. Re-entry programs are designed to support individuals as they transition back into society after incarceration and break the cycle of arrest, incarceration, release, and re-arrest. The Second Chance Act was passed in 2007 to fund services that help such individuals.

Note: This article is not considered all-inclusive. It is a general overview like many of our articles. Don't feel like you should stop here; there's more information available!

Getting Started

Upon being released, one of the first things to do is locate an Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) office. IDES offers a Re-entry Employment Service Program (RESP) that is dedicated to helping find employment for individuals who have been incarcerated or have had a criminal conviction. To find a local IDES office, use the Illinois workNet Service Finder or the IDES Office Locator.

Next, you will need a form of identification. Some examples include:

  • Birth Certificate
  • Social Security Card
  • Court Orders (if applicable)
  • School Records

If you do not have these documents, try to locate them or obtain copies. As a side note, these are only examples. You may need additional documents for identification purposes.

Now that you're ready to begin the re-entry process and locate a program, there are several agencies in Illinois that are ready to help you, no matter your level of experience or how long you have previously held a job. A great example is Chicago's Safer Foundation, which partners with businesses to employ people with arrest and conviction records. 

Programs and Services

If you struggle financially, general benefits are helpful for your re-entry. A few examples include:

  • Social Security
  • SNAP and other assistance
  • Health programs, such as Medicaid and more

These benefits are only the tip of the iceberg. A good way to find programs and services is searching for resources on the Illinois Re-Entry Resources website.

Housing

You might find yourself without a place to stay. Before you continue the re-entry process, you need to find housing. Here are a few tips:

  • Use your personal network – the people you know and associate with – to help you find a place.
  • Keep in mind that support services are available.
  • Do not lie on your application because it can end up hurting you instead of helping.
  • Search by your City, County, or Zip Code on ILHousingSearch.org to find Illinois housing.

Learning to Use Technology with DigiScape

Using computers and the internet can feel hard, especially if you haven't used them much before. That's why DigiScape is here to help. DigiScape is a fun online course that teaches you how to use technology.

You can learn how to:

  • Send and read emails
  • Look for jobs online
  • Use a computer for everyday tasks

DigiScape makes learning easy and fun. It helps you get the skills you need to find a job and do well in today's world. Start DigiScape today.​


Adult Education

Many areas are involved with re-entry programs, including adult education. It's important for your skills to be up to date with the current workforce. This is critical to finding work if you've been serving for a long period of time. Start exploring adult education on Illinois workNet:

Criminal Records

To help show employers you have moved on from your past, check if your records, or parts of them, can be sealed or expunged. "Expunged" information is erased completely, as if the crime was never there. Although "sealed" records remain in the system, not everyone can access them. Employers and the general public will not see sealed records.

An Illinois law went into effect on January 1, 2014 to allow records of certain felony convictions to be sealed or expunged for Class 3 or Class 4 felonies. It might apply to the whole record or certain parts of it depending on the situation. Some examples include:

  • Theft
  • Forgery
  • Deceptive Practices
  • Drug Possession

You must wait 5 years after being released before you can file a petition to have your records sealed or expunged. If convicted of a drug offense, you must pass a drug test within 30 days of filing the petition.

Job Search Tips and Tricks

  • Be Honest – Don't lie in your interview! Show the employer you have changed, regardless of your past. Make it clear you are responsible, have new goals, and are interested in a career. Share with them what you learned and the positive changes you made in your life.

  • Know what you are not required to reveal – Pay close attention to the questions employers ask! If you only committed misdemeanors but are asked about felonies, you don't need to reveal that you committed a misdemeanor. If an employer asks about your convictions, you don't need to tell them about your arrests. Previous records that have been erased are not required to be mentioned. Employers are not allowed to know charges brought against you before you were 16 years old.

  • Don't leave anything blank – On an application, there are no wrong answers! Leaving a question blank looks bad to an employer.

  • Go beyond "yes" – If an employer asks about your criminal record, do not limit yourself to "yes". Instead, explain you are not the same person you once were. It also helps to talk about any education, training, or community groups you've been involved in.