Question about Release and Transition

[Someone]

Being here in Texas, there isn't a whole heck of a lot of information available on release and transition from jail, which explains the high recidivism rate. So I thought I'd ask you folks that have had your loved ones released some questions:

My BF hasn't been in jail very long, in comparison to many more strict sentences. He's been gone about 8 months. I'm sure we've both changed a lot in that time. I know it will take some getting used to having him home (he gets back this Friday). Part of me wants to take it slow, but I also have many big things planned that weekend (including the proposal).

But concerning more practical matters, how easy/difficult is it for someone newly released to find a decent job? He used to be an EMT-Basic, but the city we live in will not hire anyone as an EMT without the Intermediate certificate. I know the State Jail Felony charge will follow him around the next 5 years or so. I just have visons of him only being able to work at the grocery store or some retail store at the mall for minimum wage. He says he'd work 3 jobs if he has to, but I don't want him to wear himself out. Even 30 hours a week at minimum wage is enough to support us given what I get for going to school. Of course the more he makes, the more we can save for the future, and I plan on going to law school, which will be expensive, and then I want to support him while he goes to nursing school.

So from you folks that know, how easy or difficult is it to get employed with a criminal record? Are there any national chains that make the effort to hire former convicts?

I want him to work somewhere nearby so that it is easier on us (since we only have one car, and will likely have conflicting schedules). Near me there is an HEB (grocery store), Target, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, several Fast Food joints, a Bally Total Fitness, Blockbuster Video, Hollywood Video, and a Walgreens. Surely one of those places will be able to hire him, I hope. I know a lot of those types of places will only be part time though, so he may have to have two jobs just to make 30-40 hours a week. I think that Work Opportunity Tax Credit is still in effect. That's the one where the employer gets a tax credit for hiring newly released felons. If it is still in effect, I'm hoping that I can convince them to hire him, if only to get the tax break.

Anyway, am I stressing over nothing, or is there a good reason to be concerned? Thanks for any information/advice you can give me!

[Phil in Paris]

Congrats on him being home in a few days.

I don't have the answers to your questions. Did you check the "Now that your loved one is home" forum ?? I'm sure many of our members posting there would share their own experience with you.

Good luck.

Phil

[pmedic]

I am an ex-felon who lives in Alabama, and was able to get my state license and re-register for my national registry as a paramedic. Maybe he can go to school again and get his intermediate license. Living in the "free world" again has been very hard. I have had several jobs, and find it difficult to keep my past confidential at work with gossip. It is especially hard being in healthcare. Give him a lot of space and support!