Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction

NEWS RELEASE

 Corrections Director Issues First Certificates of Achievement and Employability

(Columbus) – Gary Mohr, Director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC), signed the first three Certificates of Achievement and Employability (CAE) yesterday, documenting exemplary behavior of offenders who are within one year of release or release consideration.  The new CAE certificates were created by House Bill 86, legislation to reform Ohio’s sentencing laws, and are designed to help pave the way for the successful reentry of offenders back into society.  

“It was a great feeling to sign these certificates yesterday because I know they will help people be more likely to make a successful go of things in the outside world,” stated DRC Director Gary Mohr.  “The Certificate of Achievement and Employability is one of our first steps to address collateral consequences for offenders who are trying to make a better life for themselves and their families once they’ve paid their debt to society.”  

In addition to good behavior, offenders who want to earn CAEs must complete vocational programs, cognitive behavioral programs, rehabilitative or achievement programs such as anger management or earning a high school diploma, and perform at least 120 hours of community service.  CAEs apply to the field of employment in which the offender received prison-based vocational training and offers employers relief from negligent hiring liability.  It levels the playing field for ex-offenders seeking employment by giving prospective job applicants individualized consideration in the job market.  

Offenders meeting the specific criteria can also apply for a CAE at any time during a period of post-release supervision by the Ohio Adult Parole Authority. 

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