Second Chance Month Event
This year, the City of Columbia is highlighting Second Chance Month by partnering with Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina and the South Carolina Commission on Minority Affairs. The event will feature panelists with lived experience who will share how they are overcoming barriers after re-entry and a community resource fair that will focus on supportive and re-entry services. This event is free to the public and everyone is welcome. There is a link for participants to register for the event.
Who: City of Columbia Office of Violent Crime Prevention, Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina, and the South Carolina Commission on Minority Affairs.
What: Second Chance Panel and Community Resource Fair
Register Here: https://forms.columbiasc.gov/240876793527976
When: Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 11 AM-3 PM
Where: 2744 Decker Blvd. Columbia, SC 29206
To highlight Second Chance Month, this event will feature panelist with lived experience who will share how they are overcoming barriers after re-entry and a community resource fair that will focus on supportive and re-entry services. This event is free to the public and everyone is welcome. There is a link for participants to register for the event.
History of Second Chance Month
In 2017, the month of April was designated as Second Chance Month in the United States. Second Chance Month was established to highlight efforts and to raise awareness of the harmful consequences of a criminal conviction. Advocates work tirelessly to secure fresh starts and new opportunities for people who have completed their sentences to become contributing citizens. The national awareness effort is led by Prison Fellowship, the nation’s largest nonprofit serving prisoners, former prisoners, and their families, and an advocate for justice reform. Activities include promoting public awareness and encouraging employers to become a second-chance employer.
City of Columbia’s Efforts
In addition to partnering with several community organizations who focus on re-entry and reintegration services, the City of Columbia passed an ordinance to promote second chances. To remove employment barriers for individuals with a conviction who seek job opportunities, the City of Columbia passed a “Ban the Box” Ordinance in 2019. The Ordinance prohibits employers from inquiring into an applicant’s criminal history until a conditional offer is made in writing. Moreover, the law also prohibits employers from conducting a background check on an applicant unless it is determined that the position warrants a background check that is required by law. Before performing a background check, the employer must provide the applicant with a conditional offer letter along with a Notice of Rights under the law. Employers must also include specific information in job postings and announcements if the position will require a background check. Employers may only consider job-related conviction information for employment purposes and make sure to utilize the steps outlined in the law to determine whether the conviction information is related to the job.
Information about the Ordinance can be accessed by clicking here: https://library.municode.com/sc/columbia/ordinances/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=985248
