MDOC, MDOL Partnering to Help Inmates Reenter Employment

August 2, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 2, 2018

Media Contacts:

• Laura Hudson, Maine Department of Labor, 207-621-5009
• Office of Commissioner Fitzpatrick, Maine Department of Corrections, 207-287-4360

H.I.R.E. ME Seminar will prepare employers for the future of businesses across the state.

WARREN -- Maine's Department of Corrections (MDOC) and Department of Labor (MDOL) are partnering to offer employers an informative seminar about the role MDOC can play in helping develop their future workforce.

The Helping Inmates Reenter Employment (H.I.R.E.) ME seminar will take place at the Maine State Prison in Warren on Wednesday, Sept. 12 and will introduce employers to the many options for hiring individuals on work release, setting up training programs for currently incarcerated individuals and tax credits associated with hiring this population. Registration is required at http://www.mainecareercenter.gov .

"The H.I.R.E. ME seminar is a great opportunity to inform your business about the benefits of working with a justice-involved population," said Labor Commissioner John Butera. "Hiring inmates provides employers the ability to engage and empower an under-tapped pool of workers in Maine's tight labor market."

The no-cost, half-day seminar will include panel presentations from members of the Departments of Labor and Corrections as well as employers that have worked extensively with offenders. They will share the benefits, risks and lessons learned. Employers looking for creative ways to ensure a steady stream of motivated employees are encouraged to attend.

Job seekers with a criminal history are encouraged to visit their closest Maine CareerCenter for job search assistance. CareerCenters work directly with employers that are interested in this audience. Employers should contact the Business Services representative at a CareerCenter for assistance.

The Department of Corrections works to reduce the likelihood that juvenile and adult offenders will re-offend, by providing practices, programs and services which are evidence-based and which hold the offenders accountable.

The Department of Labor's Bureau of Employment Services provides a variety of employment and training services for Maine workers, businesses and job seekers through the Maine CareerCenter network. The Department of Labor is an equal opportunity provider. Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals upon request.

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