Chapter 4: Steps to Eliminate Barriers Client Faces

Chapter 4: Eliminating Client Barriers

STEP 2: IDENTIFYING BARRIERS & HOW TO OVERCOME

Identified Barrier: Identification Assistance Career Coach: Ask clients if they have two forms of identification for employment. This is something that can often be taken for granted, but it is vital for employment and housing. Many of those that have been released from prison do not have credible identification and this makes the application process nearly impossible. We have included resources in each part of middle TN that can help someone get the identification that they need.

No Social Security Card: The Social Security Administration has introduced the expansion of online services for residents of Tennessee available through its My Social Security portal at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. To apply for an original card, you must provide at least two documents to prove age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or current lawful, work-authorized immigration status.

No State ID: To apply for an ID card, residents must visit a local Driver Services Center to complete the identification card application in person. Applicants cannot get an ID card online or by mail.

● Proof of U.S. citizenship, authorized stay or lawful permanent resident status ● Primary proof of identity, such as a U.S. photo driver license, birth certificate, military ID or U.S. passport ● Secondary proof of identity, such as a union membership card, computerized check stub, work identification, health insurance or Social Security card ● Two proofs of state residency (must include the applicant’s name & resident address) ● Proof of Social Security Number (SSN) or an SSN Affidavit

Identified Barrier: Transportation Resources

Career Coach: Ask clients if they have a reliable form of transportation.

Public transit available: Does Tennessee have public transportation? Public Transportation is available in every county in Tennessee, with a wide range of services. ... Options include fixed-route service, demand-response service, express buses, local shuttles, and complementary paratransit in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Identified Barrier: Food Assistance

Career Coach: Ask clients if they are in need of food assistance.

Food Pantries: Please provide clients that are in need of food assistance with a contact list for local churches, food pantries, and food distribution centers in their local area. Please recommend eligible clients to sign up for SNAP benefits as a way to supplement their needs.

Identified Barrier: Phone and Email

Career Coach: Ask clients if they have access to a phone and email.

If the client does not have an email please assist them with creating a gmail. Lifeline is a government benefit program that offers eligible customers FREE cell phone service every month. You must participate in federal programs such as Medicaid and SNAP, or by income in order to qualify for this FREE benefit.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit, or EBB, is a limited-time program that provides discounts on monthly broadband Internet access service and certain connected devices. This program is funded by the US government's COVID-19 relief efforts and operated by the FCC. While this program lasts, qualifying customers will receive UNLIMITED Data, Talk & Text! Sign up now to see if you qualify. Q Link Wireless

Identified Barrier: Adult Literacy/Education

Career Coach: Ask clients what their education background is and if they’re interested in getting their GED.

Identified Barrier: Interview Clothing

Career Coach: Ask clients if they have proper interview clothing to wear.

The virtual training Goodwill has to offer is “Interviewing for Work,” and in that training dress attire is discussed. There is a saying that many of us have heard at some point, “Dress for the job you want.” Unfortunately, many of those that have been incarcerated either don’t have the proper clothes or the money to be able to afford these clothes. Interviewing is already intimidating enough, but having to worry about what you are wearing only adds to that stress. We have included resources that help donate clothes for those that need it.

Identified Barrier: Healthcare

Career Coach: Ask clients if they have any medical concerns that they need addressed.

Often, these are too expensive and thus out of reach. We have included healthcare resources near the Career Solutions Centers where someone with a criminal background can go. Please see the appendix at the end of this playbook.

Identified Barrier: Substance Abuse & Mental Health

Career Coach: Ask clients if they struggle with substance abuse or if they have any mental health concerns.

The process of prisoner reentry is hard enough as it is, but for ex-inmates with mental health issues, it can be a far greater challenge. When an ex-inmate is suffering from anxiety, depression, psychosis, drug addiction, or other mental health issues, finding a safe place to live, a stable job, and otherwise reintegrating into society can feel like an impossible task.

Identified Barrier: Transitional House

Career Coach: Ask clients if they need assistance finding transitional housing.

Most people that are re-entering society after prison face enormous obstacles in finding adequate housing. According to a report by the American Psychological Association, because the risk of not finding housing is so high, some parolees experience homelessness upon their release. Difficulty in finding housing can be caused by any number of factors – lack of income, policies that make it more difficult for parolees to obtain housing, and lack of public housing are among the most common. The first month after someone is released from prison is the most critical for adjusting to life after jail.