This recent article discusses a big victory for redemption and opportunity. Recently, thanks to the help of Philadelphia Community Legal Services and other attorneys, the courts have overturned lifetime bans against those convicted of felonies from working in the eldercare business (such as in nursing homes or home health care).
Prior to this court decision, those who had been convicted of any felony at any time in their life, despite whatever moves they may have taken to improve themselves, were forever banned from working with the elderly. Although there may be circumstances under which certain convicted felons should not be able to work with the elderly, a blind lifetime ban is not the solution. Happily, this is no longer the law in Pennsylvania.
If you are a convicted felon, you are not allowed to be discriminated against solely because of this fact. Employers must look at the entire person, their background, and their history. If you believe you have been denied employment because of your criminal record, then ask your potential employer for their reason in writing. If that reason is solely based upon the prior felony conviction, then you must let them know about this decision. This could be the difference between gainful employment or not. If you need help in this matter, or any legal issues, please call The Philly Lawyers at 215-884-9300.
