A recent report from the Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette brings attention to the challenges formerly incarcerated individuals face in the Louisiana workforce. The data indicates that only 44% of those discharged from the justice system secure formal employment within their first year back in the community.
Job stability remains a significant hurdle for this group. Researchers found that a mere 12% to 13% of these individuals manage to maintain employment through all four quarters of their first year post-discharge. Most of the available work for this population is confined to low-wage industries such as food service.
Alejandra Leyton, a research scientist involved in the study, noted that these individuals represent an untapped talent pool in a state currently facing a demand for more labor. Success in the workforce is a primary factor in the broader goal of effective re-entry for those leaving correctional facilities.
Some local businesses are taking a direct approach to these barriers. Owners, such as Chris Smith of Lafayette Marble and Granite, actively hire formerly incarcerated individuals. Smith points to the reliability and dedication of these employees as a key factor in his business operations. This report serves as a baseline for policymakers and community leaders to better understand the current landscape and improve workforce outcomes for everyone involved.