The Diversion Hub and Oklahoma County Treatment Courts lead by example, employing several fair chance individuals who, in turn, give back to the programs that helped transition them out of the justice system and into a healthier lifestyle. One employee said, “I have a lot of pride in my work and a lot of pride in myself as a person. And it has a lot to do with my job. It’s huge. People like me who come from bad backgrounds, we’re going to work harder than most people. We’re going to want to show you that we’ve become something different in life.” For employers, embracing the opportunity to hire justice-involved individuals connects businesses with talented and dedicated workers. Numerous studies show that doing so leads to safer communities and stronger economies. Additionally, employers in Oklahoma County that partner with diversion programs gain an added partner to help them manage the justice-involved employee. Most diversion programs have extensive support teams helping the employee with stabilization, sober success strategies and general life support. As one employer said, “It’s almost like the diversion program provides you an extra human resources staffer on your team.” If an employer is interested in learning more about fair chance hiring and our community’s wonderful diversion providers, please contact CJAC staff for further discussions.
To watch the short videos, visit CJAC’s new YouTube page at okcchamber.com/cjac.
CONCLUSION
The Vera Institute of Justice report in 2016 provided the catalyst for Oklahoma County’s journey of collaboration with municipal partners and community stakeholders to transform the Oklahoma County justice system. CJAC has used the Vera Institute report as its roadmap for the tremendous change that has
occurred. CJI’s 2023 report resets that roadmap for the future, giving CJAC and its Oklahoma County justice system partners a thorough assessment of progress and recommendations for future reform. The hard work for CJAC continues with this next phase of system-wide reform.
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