It’s Public Service Recognition Week!

Mounting research indicates that there are significant benefits for our communities in helping men and women that have been in prison, jail, or on probation find employment.

Unfortunately, some employers remain reticent to hiring someone who is or has been involved in the justice system, as evidenced by the need for laws such as Ban the Box, which, among other things, makes it illegal for an employer to inquire about criminal history prior to making a conditional offer of employment. In the District’s highly competitive and saturated job market, gainful employment remains an intractable challenge. For some, it is further compounded by the additional challenges posed by their history of involvement with the justice system.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] As CSOSA works to effectively supervise adults on probation, parole, and supervised release in the District of Columbia, in order to enhance public safety, reduce recidivism, support the fair administration of justice, we collaborate closely with our criminal justice partners and the community. These partnerships are integral to promoting accountability, inclusion, and successful reintegration…

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]CSOSA joined with government and community partners on June 18th in presenting the latest Community Resource Day event, providing information about key services and programs in a videoconference to more than 240 returning citizens who will soon be released from incarceration. The all-day program was attended by District of Columbia inmates who were viewing it…

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) is accepting applications for a fellowship program to provide new opportunities to people who have successfully completed a period of probation, parole, or supervised release. This program, similar to “Credible Messenger” efforts around the country, calls for the selected candidates to use their own life experiences to…