Staff Reports

Pacific Daily News/USA TODAY Network

The Guam Department of Labor has received part of a $2,234,122 competitive grant to help ex-criminals reincorporate into society with employment opportunities.

Guam is the only U.S. territory to get money from the U.S. Department of Labor and received the maximum amount possible of the Fidelity Bonding Demonstration Grants — $100,000.

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The grant will let Guam use fidelity bonds to help ex-offenders transition from the justice system to the workforce.

A fidelity bond is a form of insurance that covers employers’ losses as a result of fraudulent act, according to a Guam Labor news release. This allows ex-offenders a better chance of being considered for work and contributing back to society, while also relieving the anxiety of the employer because, in case of theft or embezzlement, the employer will be covered financially.

“In line with Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero’s platform on adult re-entry, this support from U.S. Department of Labor will aid those with hiring barriers while also protecting the interests of the employers,” said David Dell’Isola, director of the Guam Department of Labor.

'Encourages employers to take a chance'

The grant also reinforces the Fair Chances Hiring Process Act which prevents employers from asking prospective employees for police or court clearances until after a job offer has been made, the release states.

“This grant encourages employers to take a chance. If we can help 10 to 20 ex-offenders a year obtain steady work, that’s 10 to 20 more people that are contributing to the workforce and not committing crimes in order to make money,” said American Job Center Administrator Juan Flores. “The bonds will encourage employers to provide opportunities that will lead to significant life changes for the ex-offenders and encourage them to make positive contributions to the community.

Guam Labor is looking forward to working with the Department of Corrections, the Superior Court of Guam, the Office of the Attorney General, the Guam Adult Drug Court and the Adult Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Program to prepare ex-offenders for employment,” the release stated.

“The grant doesn’t take away from other job seekers. It’s geared toward those that lost their way or got caught up in drugs, but have reformed. We are trying to give them a hand up,” Dell’Isola said. “The public should be interested in how this program can stop the vicious cycle of those ex-offenders who are released from incarceration and then reoffend to make money because they are unable to find steady work.”

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