It’s Public Service Recognition Week!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] CSOSA has been working with the DC Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management to change the narrative around hiring people who have been involved in the criminal legal system. Many talented individuals struggle to find gainful employment because of their criminal record. One out of every three adults in the United States…

  CSOSA uses data to provide evidence-informed and evidence-based community supervision to the people under our jurisdiction. This data shows us the progress of our supervisees as well as our own progress towards our strategic goals. We work to enhance public safety in the District of Columbia, help integrate supervisees into the community, promote accountability…

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]April is nationally recognized as Second Chance Month, a time when the nation recognizes the obstacles that formerly incarcerated people face when returning to the community. Second Chance Month also is an opportunity to recognize how CSOSA’s staff works tirelessly throughout the year to ensure that the Agency serves as a model community supervision agency…

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) remains as dedicated as ever to community outreach throughout the pandemic, using its virtual Community Justice Advisory Network (CJAN) meetings to reach hundreds of District residents. Since April, the Agency’s Intergovernmental and Community Affairs Specialists (ICAS) have held nine CJANs in collaboration with community partners including the…

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In a recent publication from the DC Policy Center, Robin Selwitz explores the myriad obstacles individuals who have been involved in the criminal justice system face when seeking employment. Involvement in the criminal justice system leads to a litany of aftereffects, commonly known as collateral consequences, which can result in unanticipated burdens to those trying…

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.