Second Chance Hiring Programs for People With Criminal Records
If you have a criminal record and are struggling to find work, federal reentry employment programs — including WIOA training grants, the Federal Bonding Program, and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit — may help you access job training, employer connections, and support services at no cost. A recent employer forum hosted by ROC (Reentry Council) in Louisiana called Talent Unlocked signals that second chance hiring is gaining real traction, and federal workforce tools exist right now to help job seekers with records take advantage of that momentum.
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Why Second Chance Hiring Matters Right Now
ROC's Talent Unlocked Employer Forum in Louisiana brought together businesses, workforce agencies, and reentry advocates to address one of the most persistent barriers to employment: a criminal record. The event underscores a broader national trend — employers are increasingly recognizing that people with records represent a skilled, motivated, and often underutilized labor pool.
But awareness at the employer level is only half the equation. Job seekers with records also need to know what tools, programs, and financial supports are available to them. That's where federal workforce programs come in.
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WIOA: The Core Federal Program for Reentry Job Seekers
What WIOA Is
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is the primary federal law funding workforce development services across the country. It is administered through a network of roughly 2,300 American Job Centers (AJCs) — also called One-Stop Career Centers — located in every state.
WIOA explicitly identifies people with barriers to employment, including individuals with criminal records, as a priority population for services.
What WIOA May Cover
Through your local American Job Center, WIOA-funded services may include:
- Career assessment and counseling — identifying transferable skills and career pathways
- Job search assistance — résumé writing, interview prep, job fairs
- Occupational skills training — through Individual Training Accounts (ITAs), which function like vouchers for approved training programs
- Support services — transportation assistance, childcare, work clothing, and other needs that may be barriers to participation
- On-the-Job Training (OJT) — where an employer is reimbursed for a portion of wages while training a new hire
ITAs are typically available to adults and dislocated workers who meet income and eligibility criteria. Benefit amounts vary by household size and income, and funding levels differ by state and local workforce board.
How to Access WIOA Services
- Find your nearest American Job Center at careeronestop.org or by calling 1-877-872-5627.
- Schedule an intake appointment — bring a government-issued ID, Social Security card, and any documentation of your employment history or training needs.
- Complete an eligibility determination — staff will assess which WIOA funding streams you may qualify for (Adult, Dislocated Worker, or Youth, if you are 24 or younger).
- Work with a case manager to build an Individual Employment Plan (IEP) and, if applicable, select an approved training provider.
Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from WIOA services. However, certain training programs — particularly those leading to licensed occupations — may have their own background check requirements set by state licensing boards, not WIOA itself.
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The Federal Bonding Program: Reducing Employer Risk
One of the most direct tools for people with records is the Federal Bonding Program (FBP), administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. The FBP provides employers with free fidelity bonds — essentially insurance against employee theft or dishonesty — when they hire job seekers who face barriers, including people with criminal records.
- Bonds are issued at no cost to the employer or the job seeker
- Coverage typically starts at $5,000 for the first six months of employment
- The bond is designed to reduce the perceived financial risk of hiring someone with a record
To request a Federal Bond, contact your state's workforce agency or American Job Center. A counselor can initiate the bond on your behalf as part of a job offer process. You can also learn more through CareerOneStop's bonding program page.
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Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC): An Incentive That Opens Doors
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit available to employers who hire workers from specific target groups. One of those groups is qualified ex-felons — defined as individuals hired within one year of being convicted of a felony or released from prison for a felony.
For employers, the credit can be worth up to $2,400 per qualifying hire (amounts vary by target group and hours worked). This financial incentive gives employers a concrete reason to consider applicants with records over equally qualified candidates without them.
As a job seeker, you don't apply for WOTC yourself — but you can mention it to potential employers or ask workforce staff to help you identify WOTC-participating employers in your area. Many larger employers, staffing agencies, and companies with active second chance hiring programs are already enrolled.
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Reentry-Specific Workforce Programs to Know
Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, REO grants support organizations that provide employment services specifically to people leaving incarceration. Services may include transitional jobs, occupational training, and case management. Availability depends on whether a funded provider operates in your area.
Second Chance Act Programs The Second Chance Act, administered by the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance, funds reentry programs through state and local governments and nonprofits. These programs may offer housing support, substance use treatment, mentoring, and employment services for people leaving state or federal prison.
State-Level Reentry Initiatives Many states — including Louisiana, which hosted the Talent Unlocked forum — have their own reentry workforce initiatives layered on top of federal programs. Louisiana's Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections both operate reentry-focused employment programs. Check your state workforce agency's website for locally available resources.
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What to Do If You Face Barriers Beyond Employment
Job seekers with records often face compounding challenges: unstable housing, limited income during a job search, or lack of healthcare. If that's your situation, other programs may also be relevant:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): People with certain drug felony convictions may face restrictions in some states, but many states have eliminated or modified those restrictions. Check your state's rules.
- Medicaid: Healthcare coverage may be available based on income, regardless of record, in states that have expanded Medicaid.
- SSI/SSDI: If a disability is also a barrier to work, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may be worth exploring through the Social Security Administration.
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People Also Ask
Can I get WIOA job training if I have a felony? WIOA does not categorically exclude people with felony records from training services. However, some training programs lead to licensed occupations where state licensing boards conduct their own background checks. A career counselor at your American Job Center can help you identify training pathways that align with your record and career goals.
What is the Federal Bonding Program and how does it help me get hired? The Federal Bonding Program provides employers with free fidelity bond insurance when they hire workers with barriers to employment, including criminal records. The bond reduces the employer's perceived financial risk. You don't pay for it — your American Job Center can arrange it as part of a job offer. Bonds typically start at $5,000 in coverage for the first six months.
Does the Work Opportunity Tax Credit apply to people with felonies? Yes. Qualified ex-felons are one of the target groups under WOTC. Employers who hire someone within one year of their felony conviction or prison release may claim a federal tax credit of up to $2,400. You can ask potential employers or workforce staff whether they participate in WOTC hiring.
Where can I find second chance employers in my state? Your local American Job Center is the best starting point — staff often maintain lists of WOTC-participating and second chance employers in the area. Organizations like the Dave's Killer Bread Foundation's Second Chance Employment initiative and local reentry coalitions (like ROC in Louisiana) also maintain employer networks. CareerOneStop.org has a job search tool you can filter by location.
What documents do I need to access reentry workforce services? Most American Job Centers will ask for a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security card or proof of Social Security number, and documentation of your work history or training background. If you are recently released from incarceration, your release paperwork may also be helpful. Some centers can assist you in obtaining documents if you don't have them.
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Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency.
Last reviewed: May 2026