Hello,

My daughter has a friend that recently returned home after 5 years in prison. I have known this girl since she was in the 5th grade. Before she got into trouble she had planned on going to college to become a pyschologist or counselor. She has some college hours now, but doesn't think there are any careers out there for her since she has a prison history.

I think psychology and counseling would still be good choices, but I'm don't know how much a prison history would keep her from getting a job in that area. Most applications do ask about criminal records.

Does anyone have some information that would be helpful and encouraging.

Thanks
Susan

It would depend what she was in for. There is a background check done and that isn't only for the position, but it's to get licensed to practice. Each state is different in their requirements for licensing.

For instance, if she was in for drugs and is now in recovery and goes to school to be a counselor for folks with substance abuse issues her having been inside will probably be seen as an asset depending on the agency. However, she would still need to check if she could be licensed to practice in her state.

I hope this helped...

Deb

Drugs may have been involved, but I believe she was in for armed robbery. We live in Texas. Do you know of any agencies that could be helpful to her?

Thanks
Susan

She should go to the Student Support Services Office at the college/University she's going to and talk to them. They'll be able to help with the licensing rules in your state for different careers and what major and then career she could go for with her history.

Deb

Re Deb's post--sometimes these offices on campuses are called Career Services, as well. Usually a college campus will not only have a career services office, but also various academic counselors and people who can help her get started...and, these professionals are used to working with students from all sorts of backgrounds, so this young lady will not be treated as a pariah or someone who can't succeed--she'll be encouraged. And she's probably eligible for financial aid, too, so while she's on campus, she should visit the Financial Aid office and find out about application deadlines--usually March 1 for the following school year. And finally, if she goes to the academic department for counseling or psychology, an advisor there can also fill her in on that state's licensing, and various branches of counseling that she might be eligible to be licensed for.