WHAT IS FELON FRIENDLY?

A friendship is truly defined by the caring, understanding, and unconditional love provided by someone (or something) that improves the quality of one’s life. A good friend will watch out for you and ensure that you are safe and feel supported.

Unfortunately, for the great many overcoming a felony conviction, you feel that society and the world at large is the exact opposite and anything but a friend towards you.

Kind of like those low-down, slimy “friends” that will eff you over and stab you in the back at a moments notice but will be smiling to your face all the while, and try using your words against you. Oh well, and so goes life.

Yep, the stigma and complications continue to linger on, long after someone has paid their debt to society.

Alas, in a world filled with terrible prejudice, one can take solace in knowing there indeed are certain individuals and companies where one can partake in opportunities that may have not normally been made available for someone with a felony.

WHAT IS FELON FRIENDLY?

If something or someone is considered to be “Felon Friendly”, it simply means they acknowledge and are accepting of individuals with a felony and/or other criminal histories, by giving them access to opportunities that have not normally been made available.

It is important to understand the specific dilemmas faced by individuals who have come in contact with the criminal justice system when reintegrating back into society.

Many convicted felons find it extremely difficult to settle down and form some semblance of normalcy in their life due to the inherent number of restrictions and complications placed on them once released from prison.

Thankfully, there are some helpful groups that look towards being more friendly to felons than others, meaning that a convicted felon now has options.

WHAT DOES FELON FRIENDLY MEAN AND RELATE TO?

By and far, the greatest challenge faced by someone with a criminal background relates to employment and housing, and when an individual or entity recognizes the obstacles associated with this monumental task by wanting to be part of the solution, it allows the recipient (felon) to experience results that could be life-changing.

When a company says they are “Felon-Friendly”, it may provide the resources and opportunities for someone in desperate need due to the circumstances surrounding their background.

In doing so, it (the company) recognizes the hardships faced by the individual (felon), but also aids in reducing recidivism, allowing felons to make a safe transition from prison life and back into normal society, thus reducing the risk of re-offending.

Oftentimes for employers, the benefits and upside is they are rewarded with various forms of tax credits, along with a bond in order to protect them and reduce any risk or threat of loss, when adopting a policy within their structure allowing leniency in hiring practices.

A convicted felon, by definition, is someone who has been convicted of a felony, and under law, a felony is the most severe class of crime.

Not surprisingly, certain rights and opportunities are stripped away from this individual that has been convicted of a felony offense, thus making it extremely difficult to find and retain employment, housing (when renting or leasing a property), voting restrictions, government assistance, and even affecting custody and visitation of a child.

The challenges of being a convicted felon are daunting and their is plenty of rejection that will be endured, but once again, through the participation of more and more companies, businesses, and groups adopting a “Felon Friendly” policy towards a second chance, one has an opportunity and chance to create a better quality of life for themselves.

You will often hear the words “Second Chance” mentioned frequently as another term used to describe someone or something that is Felon Friendly.

WHAT IF SOMETHING OR SOMEONE IS NOT FELON FRIENDLY?

Well, f*ck them then. Okay just kidding. Eh, maybe not.

Bear in mind, just because someone or something is “Felon Friendly” or adopts a “Second Chance” policy/attitude, does not necessarily mean that one is guaranteed the job or to be granted housing. Quite the contrary, you still may not be availed, however, it does mean that you are given the opportunity or option, as otherwise may have not been given consideration.

Once again, what this all means and boils down to is that…

Being a convicted felon is a constant and never-ending grueling challenge that you must fight, endure, and overcome every day, all while lacking the resources and having to do more with less.

There are no free rides, and nothing is given, or granted. It is all unfair and really, really sucks as discrimination is rampant (and tolerated) against someone with a criminal background.

As a convicted felon, you must be better than the rest and overcompensate for the felony conviction, as you are at a supreme disadvantage. Does not matter that it is a job, an apartment, a grant, custody, or visitation.

To get a fair chance – you must be better than the rest – all to just get the opportunity.

The fact that there are some good companies and people out there who will give us a second chance (for whatever their benefit may be) only helps our situation.

For the people, states, and companies that do promote and adopt the “Felon Friendly” stance, they are to be applauded and appreciated, as it does make a difference.

You may also want to check these articles out…

Things You Learn as a Convicted Felon / My Three Simple Rules for Being a Convicted Felon

-The Educated Felon