Publishing in Council of State Governments Justice Center
National Inventory of Collateral Consequences of Conviction (NICCC) / Council of State Governments Justice Center (2018)“The Color of Justice: Racial and Ethnic Disparity in State Prisons”
A criminal conviction can create thousands of barriers that continue long after a person has completed their sentence. These consequences may affect employment, housing, education, professional licensing, and civic participation. Understanding these barriers is essential to recognizing why successful reintegration requires more than simply releasing someone from incarceration.
Free to Lead believes that accountability and opportunity can exist together. The barriers created by a conviction can prevent people from rebuilding their lives and contributing to their communities. Addressing these challenges is essential to creating pathways where justice-impacted individuals can return home, lead, and thrive.