Every Door Closed: Barriers Facing Parents With Criminal Records

Publication Date: May 2002

Publisher: Community Legal Services (Philadelphia, Pa.); Center for Law and Social Policy

Author(s): Amy E. Hirsch; Sharon M. Dietrich; Rue Landau; Peter D. Schneider

Research Area: Justice; Social conditions

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

Last year, approximately 400,000 mothers and fathers finished serving prison or jail sentences. As these parents struggle to make a fresh start, they will encounter many legal barriers that will make it very difficult for them to successfully care for their children, find work, get safe housing, go to school, access public benefits, or even, for immigrants, stay in the same country as their children.

This groundbreaking new report, a joint publication of CLASP and Community Legal Services, Inc., of Philadelphia, documents the legal challenges these families face, illustrated by compelling stories of ex-offenders who are frustrated in their attempts to rebuild their lives and families.

The executive summary is included as a supplementary file.