Ohio created a certificate program to be administered by the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction that will give employers relief from civil liability for hiring an offender who was trained for a particular job.
The goal is to enhance the ability of formerly incarcerated people to get jobs once they are in the community, so as to further aid in their rehabilitation and reintegration.
Inmates who satisfy all of the following are eligible to apply to the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for a certificate:
Completed one or more in-prison vocational programs approved by administrative rule by the Dept. of Rehabilitation and Correction.
Demonstrated exemplary performance as determined by completion of one or more cognitive or behavioral improvement programs while incarcerated, while under supervision, or during both periods of time.
Completed community service hours.
Showed other evidence of achievement and rehabilitation while under the jurisdiction of the Dept. of Rehabilitation and Correction.
Who can apply for this certificate?
Soon-to-be-released inmate, or person on post-release control
How do I apply for a CAE? Only current inmates or people who are under parole or post-release control are eligible to apply. If you are serving a prison term, the application must be submitted no earlier than one year prior to release and no later than your date of release from DRC. Request the application from Ohio Central School System (OCSS) staff and ask them all the details about how, when, and where to apply. If you are under parole or post-release control, the application must be submitted before your period of parole or post release control concludes. Request the application from your parole officer; ask your p.o. all the details about how, when, and where to apply .