Linking individuals, families and communities together for the reentry of ex-offenders.

A strong correlation between EMPLOYERS, corrections, supervision, educational/training agencies, faith-based and community-based organizations, family members, and the community is a must for successful re-entry of ex-offenders returning home to their community.

The U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that 1 in 15 adults will serve a prison term during their lifetime. Reports also state that if current trends continue, 1 in 3 African-American males will be imprisoned (NCJ 197976, August 2003).

As reported the annual cost of housing an inmate in federal prison is currently $23,429. The U.S. Department of Justice reported that the average annual cost of incarcerating a state inmate was $22,650 (NCJ202949, June 2004). Collegeboard.com reported in 2004-2005 that the average annual cost for room, board, tuition & fees at an in-state public university was $12,841, & $27,677 for a private university.

At the federal level in 2006, 85% of ex-offenders who had their supervision revoked were unemployed at the time of the violation. This is consistent in our District, where 83% of ex-offenders whose supervision was revoked were unemployed at the time of the violation. An unemployed ex-offender is four times more likely to return to prison than an ex-offender who is employed.

The legal restrictions and social perceptions associated with felony convictions also create barriers to employment, which make employment challenging for ex-offenders.

We ask you the employer:

• To improve the  employment opportunity for ex-offenders

• Help reduce recidivism

• Promote public safety

• Improve the social and economic quality of life for our communities as well as for the families of ex-offenders

• Assist in reducing victimization.

Business Services

• BCMI maintains a diversified pool of pre-screened, prepared, responsible candidates, thereby saving time and recruiting cost.
  

• BCMI assists you in obtaining Tax Credits saving you thousands of dollars.
  

• BCMI offers support by experienced employment specialists, to maintain employees for you, the employer.
  

• BCMI provides long-term follow-up services to ensure the employees success and your satisfaction.
  

• BCMI accesses a county-wide network of additional qualified individuals with experience, determination to ensure your position is filled.
  

• BCMI staff can serve as consultants on ex-offender related issues.
  

Employer Benefits

Employers can take advantage of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit of up to $2,400 for each ex-offender employed. For more information, contact Greta E. Moran at BCMI (863) 662-8022 or call Jerry Jaco at (800) 877-8698 at the Department of Labor or visit their website www.uses.doleta.gov/wotcdata.asp.

Employers may also be eligible for the Federal Bonding Program which provides insurance for any ex-offender you employ. More information concerning bonding is available at www.bonds4jobs.com/bondingprogram.html.

Mandatory Drug Testing is required for the majority of ex-offenders under the supervision by the U.S. Department of Correction (Probation Office).

Third-Party Risk Notification -BCMI along with The U.S. Department of Corrections {Probation Office} will ensure that the employer is notified if an ex-offender that is considered for employment, poses a possible risk to
the employer or community.

Condition to Maintain Employment - Many ex-offender under the supervision of the U.S. Department of Correction {Probation Office} has a standard of condition to be employed or involved in an educational or training program approved by the U.S. Department of Correction {Probation Office}. 
Broken Chains Ministries' Staff along with the Probation Officers is a Resource - Job retention is a priority for participants within BCMI's programs. We encourage employers to contact our office regarding the performance of the employee. (863) 662-8022.