This book promotes the notion of second chances and the importance of human services within the communities most affected by crime and the criminal justice system. Recognition of the fallibility of humans and the necessity of redemption is the first step to change our attitude toward guilt and punishment. Barring citizens with criminal records from obtaining housing, employment, education, and public benefits like Medicaid and food stamps is not only unjust but unproductive for a human society. The contributors to this volume argue that second chances are a foundational principle of the human services field.

Contributions by: Fonkem Achankeng, Derek Dich, Michelle Devine Giese, Kendra Green, James Kevin Groves, Leslie A. Hagedorn, Alfred T. Kisubi, Patricia McCourt, David Liners, Melinda Kline, Diane P. McMillen, John Paulson, Mark Rice, Lynne M. Woehrle, Pearl Wright