Author Archives: out4justice

The Greater Baltimore Grassroots Criminal Justice Network (the Network) comprises criminal justice reform advocates, service providers and people directly affected by the justice system.  With support from Open Society Institute-Baltimore, the Network was established in 2008 to provide a forum … Continue reading →

Out for Justice, (“OFJ’) has worked on the passage of the Second Chance Act by the U. S. Congress. This Second Chance Act was introduced in the U.S. Congress by Rep. Danny and Rep. Chris Cannon. Congressman Elijah Cummings was … Continue reading →

Last year, OFJ was successful with reinforcing a law referencing licensing and certification. In Maryland, nearly 60 occupations list a license, certification or registration as a prerequisite to employment. Some of these licensing methods automatically barred an individual from receiving … Continue reading →

Criminal Record Shielding for Non-violent Offenses: Senate Bill 667/Housing Bill 652 Jobs are the key to our economic recovery, and the ability to secure a job is crucial to the successful reentry of those returning to society from prison. Research … Continue reading →

Correctional Facilities-Released Inmates Identification Cards OFJ members identified the problem of leaving prison without a valid state identification card as the number one priority for the organization. Most of us have personally experienced the myriad obstacles created when an individual … Continue reading →

We want to pay taxes!!!!Senate Bill 671/House Bill 800 The State of Maryland should encourage all qualified applicants, including those with a prior criminal conviction history, to apply for State employment. The proposed legislation would remove the question from state … Continue reading →

Members of OFJ visits with Ex-prisoners and Prisoners Organizing for Community Advancement (E.P.O.C.A).  Notable for their CORI Reform, E.P.O.C.A. shares the same goals as OFJ.  They are ex-prisoners and felons, along with allies, friends and family, coming together to create resources … Continue reading →