Strengthening a local workforce and attracting top talent to the region are the goals of a collaborative effort by the Sullivan and Delaware counties chambers of commerce. The chambers’ new fair chance hiring toolkit offers businesses, nonprofits, and government units practical steps, best practices, and resources needed to make decisions about hiring individuals with criminal records.
The ideas presented in the publication provide a starting point to help employers’ efforts toward welcoming diversity in people, perspectives, and life experiences. Legal and ethical implications are explored in the toolkit as well as available New York state and federal resources for employers, including bonding programs and tax credits.
Studies show employment reduces recidivism, promotes economic development, and improves public safety, noted Delaware County Chamber President Ray Pucci. The Fair Chance Hiring Toolkit is a free resource for area employers and presented by the chambers as part of their economic and workforce development initiatives. It is available as a downloadable document on the Resources tab of www.delawarecounty.org.
