Expungement Clinics: Clearing Criminal Records
LA County Library
Innovation Synopsis
LA County Library, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office, offers a series of Expungement Clinics, providing critical legal services to help individuals clear their criminal records. This initiative is a powerful example of community empowerment, offering transformative opportunities for those with past arrests and convictions to rebuild their lives, and empowering them to seek new employment opportunities. By hosting these clinics at various libraries throughout Los Angeles County, the program extends its reach, offering vital support in both English and Spanish to ensure accessibility for all.
Challenge/Opportunity
Criminal records can prevent individuals from pursuing educational programs and financial aid, limiting personal and professional growth. Records often serve as barriers to employment, hindering individuals from securing jobs, limiting career opportunities and economic stability. A criminal history can also restrict access to housing, making it difficult for individuals to find stable and safe living situations. On top of these very tangible barriers, the presence of a criminal record can lead to social exclusion and discrimination, impacting an individual's ability to reintegrate into society. The initiative aims to promote equity by offering accessible legal assistance, particularly to underserved communities, ensuring fair opportunities for all.
Key Elements of Innovation
The Expungement Clinics are designed to help individuals clear their criminal records, thereby removing barriers to employment, housing, and education. These clinics, hosted at various library locations, provide legal assistance in both English and Spanish, guiding participants through the expungement process, including document preparation and eligibility assessment. The initiative's goals include promoting equity, supporting social reintegration, and ensuring that all individuals have access to the opportunities they deserve. This program is unique and cutting-edge in its approach, combining legal services with public library resources to reach underserved communities. By offering free, multilingual services in a community-centered environment, the initiative expands the traditional role of libraries, integrating legal assistance and championing social justice.
Achieved Outcomes
Indicators of the innovation's success include the number of individuals who have successfully cleared their records through the Expungement Clinics. To date, 41 individuals have benefited, with expectations of assisting many more in upcoming sessions. Key data metrics include the number of participants, successful expungements, and the demographic reach of the program, including language accessibility. The partnership between LA County Library and the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office is a significant outcome, demonstrating a strong collaboration aimed at social justice.
