Collateral Consequences

Experts have identified more than 40,000 “collateral consequences” at the state and federal levels that can limit or prohibit access to employment, occupational licensing, public benefits, housing, voting, education, and other opportunities for justice involved individuals. As many as one in three Americans have some type of criminal record that precludes opportunities to economic mobility and disproportionately impacts traditionally marginalized communities and communities of color.

Collateral consequences act as a significant barrier to the successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals, which can lead to increased recidivism that perpetuates the damaging cycle of mass incarceration among low-income communities and communities of color. Where and how people can legally and safely contribute to the economy and their own wellbeing should not be limited by debts already paid to society.

CLASP’s work in this space also includes the psychological impact of incarceration on the individual and their families.