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Changing Mindsets
A Q&A with Roberta Meyers-Peeples, Director of National HIRE Network
by Casey Coughlin posted 07.05.11 in
The National HIRE Network works nationwide to assist state and federal advocacy groups to change employment policies and public opinions concerning people with criminal histories. Roberta Meyers-Peeples, director of Legal Action Center's National HIRE Network, works with organizations around the country to change state and federal policies, specifically changes dealing with the sealing/expungement of records, certification of rehabilitation, and anti-discrimination protection. For additional information on Peeples or the National HIRE Network visit www.hirenetwork.com.
Roberta Meyers-Peeples director of the National HIRE Network
Coughlin: I noticed National HIRE Network does not run any job placement programs directly but does refer people in need of services to other state and community run programs. What are the top three programs you are sending people to in the country?
Peeples: There are organizations that exclusively serve this population, who are nationally renowned such as the Safer Foundation (www.saferfoundation.org), the Center for Employment Opportunities (www.ceoworks.org), and The Osborne Association (www.osborneny.org). They are definitely considered the experts in the field of work force development for people with criminal histories. We look for organizations that provide these services across various communities across the country.
Coughlin: Can you speak briefly about some projects HIRE is currently working on?
Peeples: We are supporting people around the country. Each state determines what is most important. Definitely “Ban the Box” which has caught on like wild fire since 2005. (Ban the Box policy would remove questions of past criminal histories on job, housing, and social service applications (www.allofusornone.org/campaigns/ban-the-box). Another one that’s ideal for me is anti-discrimination legislation for qualified workers who have criminal histories. People should have some right of action to challenge any determination that is made against them. We are also working on a national campaign to eliminate the drug felony ban on TANF/FS (currently individuals with drug felony charges are banned from receiving services for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families/ Food Stamps.) Our main focus is eliminating employment and education barriers. It’s critically important to recognize that this population has been marginalized and will continue to be so unless the law says it can’t be done.
Coughlin: If you could change one thing about the hiring process as it stands today what would you change about it?
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―
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