The Restorative Record is a confidential job-readiness platform that allows individuals with criminal records to share their skills, core competencies, micro-credentials, and rehabilitation stories. It helps applicants present evidence-based predictors of employability that demonstrate a more complete picture of their abilities, community engagement, supplemental education, and professional networks.

It allows them to document skills, achievements, and professional networks, making it easier to demonstrate their readiness for employment. People with criminal records often face discrimination and employment barriers. The Restorative Record helps reduce the use of criminal background checks as a screening device for employment, replacing outdated and biased hiring practices.

The Restorative Record enables employers to make more informed hiring decisions based on candidates’ skills, supports compliance with Fair Chance Hiring practices, and helps increase candidate yield. By leveraging tools like Work Opportunity Tax Credits, employers can benefit financially while expanding access to qualified talent, ultimately increasing the success rate of candidate offers.

The platform emphasizes skills-based hiring rather than a risk-based assessment.  It lets job seekers showcase their skills, micro-credentials, and personal characteristics that indicate job success. It also allows them to share milestones and skills gained through various non-traditional settings, like community programs, prison education programs or counseling services. Applicants can upload references, certifications, and supporting documentation for HR review.

Fair Chance Hiring is a practice that gives individuals with criminal histories a fair opportunity to compete for jobs by evaluating their skills and qualifications before considering their record. It is supported by laws like Fair Chance Hiring (adopted in over 37 states and 150 cities), the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which regulates background checks, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prevents discrimination. Many states and cities also have their own Fair Chance Hiring laws, such as California’s Fair Chance Act and New York City’s Fair Chance Act, which delay criminal history inquiries until after a job offer. Additionally, the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) incentivizes hiring individuals with criminal records by offering tax benefits to employers. These practices promote equity, compliance, and access to a broader talent pool.

To ensure compliance with Fair Chance Hiring laws, it’s essential to begin by researching the specific regulations applicable to your location, as these laws can vary significantly by state, city, and industry. Tools like the Restorative Record’s Fair Chance Hiring Compliance Portal can help you identify specific laws for your area. Avoid asking about criminal history on applications if prohibited, and delay background checks until after a conditional job offer. If a criminal record is revealed, conduct an individualized assessment, considering the offense’s nature, timing, and relevance to the role. The Restorative Record can assist in streamlining these evaluations within your existing HR and applicant tracking systems, ensuring compliance with Fair Chance laws. Train your hiring team on compliant practices and consult legal counsel if needed. Staying informed and proactive ensures compliance and promotes equal opportunity.

You may qualify for Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC) by hiring individuals from target groups that face employment barriers, such as veterans, SNAP (food stamp) recipients, long-term unemployed individuals, ex-felons, and others specified by the program. Both employers and employees must meet specific criteria outlined by the U.S. Department of Labor to be eligible. Employers are required to complete and submit IRS Form 8850 (Pre-Screening Notice and Certification Request) within 28 days of the employee’s start date to certify eligibility. Rézme offers assistance with completing WOTC forms and provides detailed guidance on eligibility and the application process to help you maximize this opportunity.