Here is an something that I get e-mailed updates on. I have not read the actual link but did save it for future reference and when I did have time to read through it. Hope it can be useful for some and you can use the information in.



Dear,

The October 2003 issue of CLASP Update, published by the Center for Law and Social Policy, is now available online:

http://www.clasp.org/DMS/Documents/1065815613.3/Oct03_Update.pdf

Here are some highlights:
New Fact Sheets Offer Solutions for Ex-Offender Parents and Their Families

Each year, approximately 400,000 mothers and fathers finish serving prison or jail sentences and return home eager to rebuild their families and their lives. As these parents struggle to make a fresh start, they encounter many legal barriers that will make it very difficult for them to successfully care for their children, find work, get safe housing, go to school, access public benefits, or even, for immigrants, stay in the same country as their children. A new set of two-page fact sheets—Every Door Closed: Barriers Facing Parents with Criminal Records. An Action Agenda—details the scope of the challenges these families face and offers solutions for federal, state, and local policymakers. The fact sheets are a joint publication of CLASP and Community Legal Services, Inc., of Philadelphia.

Very helpful...thanks!!!

I am an ex-inmate. It has been 10 years since I have been out and with no problems what so ever. It also was the first time I was ever in trouble. I served 4 & 1/2 years. I was 21. I have been trying to do the right things in life but it seems that I cant get a good job due to my background. I feel like a failur in life and I dont know if I have the strength tho over come this let down again

Sparks
I am sorry that you are having a difficult time. I think that in the U.S. we seem to imprison people too easily. But that doesnt help now. My son is in prison in Georgia. I know that it is difficult to find work even without a record, having one must be even harder.

I am a die hard optimist. HOwever, I too have my days where I feel that things are just beyond belief. I hate to find anyone who is feeling discouraged. But I know how we can get there.

I don't think you should count yourself as a failure. If you are, you are amongst the thousands of other failures. So you have company. We are all human with some mistakes. And unfortunately despite the bible beating there seems to be a loss of compassion in the U.S. But do'nt feel that you are alone. The numbers are great and growing. I think what is most important is that you value yourself. You are not just about what you did at one point and at a very young age I might add, you are about many things and until you can start feeling your worth, no one else can feel it. One mistake does not make a person. We all learn, and grow. And besides, lets face it the biggest criminals in life are not in prison. Take sometime to reacquaint yourself with who you are, find out what you want to be about and you will set things in motion to move towards the very people who can help you. I think the very biggest down fall any of us have in life is lack of trust and confidence in ourselves. Course we dont get there by ourselves, we have people constantly making us feel bad whether an exconvict, or whatever your individual situation may be. We have to focus on concentrating on ourselves. Find some good worthy cause that you can parttake in, network yourselves through friends, families and acqaintancs and get to know others who are like minded. You will find you are not alone in this world albeit it we often think we are due to lack of communication. Most importantly forgive yourself so the things that you have done will not overshadow the person you can become. Keep in touch, we are on yourside.

I am an ex-inmate. It has been 10 years since I have been out and with no problems what so ever. It also was the first time I was ever in trouble. I served 4 & 1/2 years. I was 21. I have been trying to do the right things in life but it seems that I cant get a good job due to my background. I feel like a failur in life and I dont know if I have the strength tho over come this let down again
Sparks...you are not a failure! You made a mistake. Yeah there are lots of people out there that resemble the back end of a mule but don't let yourself buy into their negativity. Keep your head up and keep on doing the best you can. Remember...you are a unique and valued human being...a quality gem! You can PM me if you want to. I'm not much help on job hunting and stuff but I'm a great cheerleader and I got a good ear.

I am an ex-inmate. It has been 10 years since I have been out and with no problems what so ever. It also was the first time I was ever in trouble. I served 4 & 1/2 years. I was 21. I have been trying to do the right things in life but it seems that I cant get a good job due to my background. I feel like a failur in life and I dont know if I have the strength tho over come this
let down againSparks, I know personally how hard it is out here...but you know as well as i we can't give up because no matter how hard it is this side of the gate what's on the other side is worse!...Check out my website I am based in California but have out of state contacts I will look for some in your area. My website is for parolees and ex-cons assisting them with re-entering society and the hardships they face and don't worry it doesn't cost anything I do it for free. Fill out the contact page and we will get back to you asap. Don't Let No One Get You Down! Keep the Faith!
Much Love, lisa
here's the website address for you
http://www.mentesunidas.net