One Giant Leap for All

Developing and implementing a community non-profit and legal partnership to overcome barriers to re-entry

Abstract

A criminal record is an anchor that stays with you even after you have paid your debt to society for the crime you committed. Indeed, that record can make it nearly impossible to meet your basic needs, especially housing, employment, and education. To assist in meeting these needs, Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana and the Legal Expungement Advice Program (LEAP) created by the Civil Practice Clinic of the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law have aligned with each other and worked together to give qualifying individuals a second chance. This article examines the intersection of these two Indianapolis-area programs providing resources for employment and expungement that help persons previously charged or convicted of crimes get back on their feet -- and stay that way.