Resources for Ex-offender Job Seekers

There are many government and community agencies ready to help ex-offenders find employment and job training. Here is a list of just a few Minnesota and national resources.

Getting information about your criminal record

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1. Minnesota legal resources

   LawHelp MN.org
   This website lists free and low-cost legal assistance for low-income Minnesotans. Information is provided by the Minnesota Legal Services Coalition (MLSC), Probono.net, Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA) and the Legal Services Corporation (LSC).

   State Public Defender
   Public Defenders are appointed when a person appearing in criminal court cannot afford to hire an attorney. You are unable to choose which Assistant Public Defender will be picked to handle your case. To learn more about the public defender appointment process in the district where you are facing charges, contact the District Court Administrator or Public Defender's office in that District.




2. National employment resources

   Employment Information Handbook for Ex-Offenders
   This PDF produced by the U.S. Department of Labor in 2005 has more than 30 pages of information to help recently released ex-offenders prepare for a job search and transition back into life.

   ExOffenderReentry.com
   The Job Search Tips section of this website lists several insightful articles to help ex-offenders with interviewing, networking and other parts of the job search.

   National H.I.R.E. Network
   The National Helping Individuals with criminal records Re-enter through Employment Network is both a national clearinghouse for information and an advocate for policy change. Established by the Legal Action Center, The goal the National H.I.R.E. Network provides training and technical assistance to agencies working to improve the employment prospects for people with criminal records. Its website lists legal and community resources available to ex-offenders in each state.

   The National Institute of Corrections
   The NIC's online library lists articles and studies related to employment and other issues for juvenile and adult ex-offenders.

   Prisoner Re-entry Resources
   This PDF from the U.S. Department of Labor lists government and community resources to help ex-offenders find employment, job training and other assistance.




3. National legal resources

   American Civil Liberties Union
   The ACLU defends and preserves the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country. The organization advocates and advises people regarding criminal justice, prisoner's rights and other issues.