U.S. Department of Labor Awards $2,234,122 to 24 States For Fidelity Bonding Demonstration Grants

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. Department of Labor announced the award of $2,234,122 for Fidelity Bonding Demonstration Grants. These grants will enable states to expand their use of fidelity bonds to help persons with criminal records with employment opportunities.

These grants are the latest of several efforts by the Trump Administration to reform America's criminal justice system. On April 1, 2019 the Department hosted an event – Strengthening America's Workforce – to discuss paths for Americans transitioning from the justice system into the workforce. In December 2018, President Donald J. Trump signed the First Step Act, which aims to reduce recidivism and ensure successful reentry of ex-offenders back into their communities.

The Federal Bonding Program (FBP) was created in 1966 by the U.S. Department of Labor and issues free-of-charge fidelity bonds to employers as a job placement tool to assist formerly incarcerated individuals and other at-risk applicants. Since the creation of the program, over 52,000 job placements have been facilitated through the Federal Bonding Program (FBP). The goal of these demonstration grants is to increase employment outcomes for persons with criminal records, educate employers and the public on the availability and benefits of fidelity bonds for persons with criminal records, and provide outreach to employers to encourage them to hire persons with criminal records.

Organizations assisting formerly incarcerated individuals find employment or businesses interested in learning more about the hiring process should contact their state bonding coordinator for more information.  Contact information for state bonding coordinators is available at http://bonds4jobs.com/our-services/directory.