Strategies for Full Employment through Reform of the Criminal Justice System

This report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) addresses the significant impact of the criminal justice system, both on individuals directly challenged in employment searches, and also on the U.S. labor market and economy as a whole. Over 70 million American adults have a criminal record that may show up in a background check. This number disproportionately impacts people of color, especially in communities already disadvantaged by unemployment. Now, with the job market making a recovery after the recession, an opportunity exists to adopt and implement effective strategies to expand employment outcomes for people with criminal backgrounds and reduce the number of people caught in the criminal justice system.