The Consequences of Criminal Charges: A People's Guide This manual provides basic information about some of the many consequences of criminal charges,
arrest, and incarceration in New York State. You will find information and materials geared towards helping you understand these consequences and strategies for preventing or overcoming them. Subtopics covered include: Encounters With the Police, Civic Participation (including voting rights and jury service), Employment, Family, Public Benefits, Student Loans, Financial Impact, Housing, Immigration, Criminal Records, and Certificates of Rehabilitation.
By: Bronx Defenders and Reentry.net/NY
Reentry Readiness Manual
(Separate Website)
This manual ask ten questions that help determine if an individual is adequately prepared for a successful community reentry and provides guidance on how to be better prepared.
By: Center for Behavioral Services and Criminal Justice Research at Rutgers University
Beyond Going Home: From Reentry to Reintegration Provides tips on successful reintegration after release from prison. It highlights essential steps for a successful reentry including establishing a positive relationship with Parole officer; building positive relationships; getting involved in community activities; and meeting the challenge of obtaining employment.
By: Center for Community Alternatives
Certificates to Demonstrate Rehabilitation: Why They are So Important and How to Get Them Guide that details why certificates are so important, what each one does, eligibility, how to obtain a certificate, and helpful tips. Also includes a chart on automatic disqualifications for public housing.
By: The Bronx Defenders' Civil Action Project
Certificates of Relief from Disabilities and Certificates of Good Conduct: What You Can Do About Criminal Convictions When Looking for Work
(Separate Website)
This guides individuals with criminal histories through the process of obtaining specific New York State certificates that can be helpful in overcoming barriers to employment that may exist because of a criminal conviction.
By: Legal Action Center of the City of New York, Inc. (LAC)
Certificates of Relief, Good Conduct, and Disposition One-page info sheet on applying for Certificates, with process for each borough on NYC.
By: Community Service Society
Application for Certificate of Relief from Disabilities or Certificate of Good Conduct from the NYS Board of Parole
(Separate Website)
This application must be filled out and mailed to the Division of Parole in order to receive a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities or a Certificate of Good Conduct.
By: New York State Division of Parole
Certificates of Relief From Disabilities and Certificates of Good Conduct Licensure and Employment of Offenders
(Separate Website)
This is a question and answer document from New York State regarding how to obtain certificates of relief and certificates of good conduct.
By: New York State Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives
Application for Certificate of Relief from Disabilities from the Sentencing Court
(Separate Website)
This application must be filled out and given to the sentencing judge in order to receive a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities from the court of sentencing at any time after the sentencing.
By: New York State Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives
Criminal - FAQs
(Separate Website)
Explains how to apply for a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities in Bronx County, including where to file the application.
By: New York State Unified Court System
How do I apply for a Certificate of Relief from Civil Disabilities?
(Separate Website)
Explains how to apply for a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities in New York County (Manhattan), including where to file the application.
By: New York State Unified Court System
How Do I obtain a Certificate of Relief from Civil Disabilities in Kings County?
(Separate Website)
Explains how to apply for a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities in Kings County (Brooklyn), including where to file the application.
By: New York State Unified Court System
Sample Letter Explaining the Importance of a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities A letter to use when applying for a job, a license or housing that explains the importance of a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities.
By: Center for Community Alternatives
How to Gather Evidence of Rehabilitation
(Separate Website)
Explains how job applicants with criminal records and/or alcohol and drug histories can get evidence of rehabilitation to help obtain employment.
By: Legal Action Center of the City of New York, Inc. (LAC)
Services and support available to former inmates and their families
Coming home: A Family's Guide to Reunification (Separate Website)
If your family member will soon be released from prison the New York State Department of Correctional Services and the Division of Parole developed a checklist of items that are important for you to review prior to the time that your family member returns home.
By: NYS Division of Parole
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
The Bronx Reentry & Resource Directory for Returning Residents and Families A comprehensive guide to reentry and related services in the Bronx. The directory is divided into several categories, including the following services: administrative and comprehensive, clothing, educational, employment, family, food pantry, health and wellness, housing, legal, mental health, substance abuse, and support groups.
By: The Bronx Reentry Working Group
Connections 2012 and the Job Search
(Separate Website)
This guide is for formerly incarcerated people to learn the various steps involved in hunting for work. It discusses job interviewing and resume writing, preparation in prison, avoiding job discrimination as a formerly incarcerated individual, and telling the truth about your conviction(s) on a job application. It also lists many helpful organizations that can help with all kinds of problems.
By: The New York Public Library
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
I do not speak English, what is my right to receive information in my language?
Video: How to Work with Interpreters
(Separate Website)
In this video, you will learn some basic tips that will allow you to communicate effectively and easily through an interpreter with a person who doesn't speak your language.
By: Legal Services of New Jersey
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
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