Record Clearing, Resource and Employment Fairs

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

The San Bernardino County Workforce Development Department and Public Defender’s Office have partnered together with county and community resources and businesses to assist special populations, including the justice involved community, with expungement - record clearing services, pre-employment training, and employment opportunities. The events help meet the needs of both residents and businesses. Unlike previous expungement events, these events bring a multitude of resources together to aid those with barriers, such as a criminal conviction, to successfully navigate out of the justice system and into lives of recovery, stability, well-being, and self-sufficiency. Many businesses that lost workers during the pandemic or that have experienced higher production demands have faced difficulties sourcing job candidates and hiring skilled and unskilled workers during the past few years. Additional resources provided at the events include veteran services, public assistance and food stamps, industrial trade training programs, education, and document services – birth, death, and marriage certificates. A significant reason for the success of these events has been the approach of locating them in community locations, close to where those with needs live; in churches, community centers, community colleges, and America’s Job Centers. With Workforce Development and the Public Defender’s Office partnering with businesses and many more resources, those deserving a second chance have a place to begin. To date, six events have been held throughout the county, serving 2,135 residents, 295 businesses and resource partners sharing information; and 1,023 individuals receiving record clearing services.