Helping Young People With Criminal Records Become Self-Sufficient
Adopted at the in 2007
WHEREAS, juvenile criminal records exist for young people arrested or detained for crimes regardless of whether they were convicted of those crimes; and
WHEREAS, laws and regulations governing the sealing, expunging or releasing of juvenile criminal records vary from state to state; and
WHEREAS, the ability of employers to consider the existence of juvenile criminal records also varies from state to state; and
WHEREAS, the existence of criminal records can affect young people's future ability to be self-sufficient, adding to their difficulty in getting a job, obtaining the experience necessary to qualify for a job, or obtaining access to public benefits, such as welfare cash assistance, food stamps, and public housing assistance,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors urges the federal government to explore ways in which it can work with the states to develop a more consistent and enforceable system to govern the sealing, expunging and releasing of juvenile records, particularly those associated with nonviolent crimes, so that young people affected have the maximum opportunity to become self-sufficient, successful adults; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Conference of Mayors urges that serious consideration be given to expunging children's criminal records relating to nonviolent crimes.