Nationally, the cost of incarcerating prisoners is escalating and consuming a greater percentage of tax dollars. Putting low risk work release (community custody) individuals and ex-offenders to work to earn the cost of their upkeep is an excellent, effective and responsible way to reduce the tax burden on the citizens of Alabama. With little or no hope for employment, national statistics show that of the 600,000 inmates released annually, 67% will become recidivists (i.e. return to crime and incarceration within three years of their release). As a result, failure to become employed after release is a major factor contributing to the high rate of recidivism. Ex-offenders and work release individuals are highly encouraged to participate in the Alabama Ready to Work Training Program, where they can receive their Career Readiness Credential and Alabama Certified Worker Certificate.
Federal Bonding Program
Federal Bonding is available to employers at no cost and with no paperwork involved, it’s practically hassle-free for the employer or employee. The bond can apply to any job at any employer in any state, and covers any employee dishonesty committed on or away from the employer’s work facility. Any full-time employee (with federal taxes automatically deducted from pay) can be bonded, including persons hired by “temp agencies”.
Tax Credit
The majority of community custody individuals are eligible for federal “Work Opportunity Tax Credit” (WOTC). Companies who employ a worker for a minimum of 120-400 hours in a calendar year receive a maximum of $2400 tax credit for each new community custody individual hired. The Community Custody Facility will provide the paperwork for businesses to receive this credit.
On-the-Job Training
Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, the Workforce Development Division of ADECA administers an On-the-Job Training Program. The OJT program gives individuals the opportunity to learn job skills and allows employers to train new employees. While saving money on training, the employer will create a training plan that defines training objectives and goals for the trainee(s). Employers receive 50% monthly reimbursement of trainees’ hourly wage. There is minimal paperwork for the employer and no cost for the OJT services.
Would you like to know more about these programs?
Contact Rod Jones with AIDT at (205) 719-3221 or at rjones@aidt.edu. Together we can help steer those who have made mistakes back on the right path.
