A unified framework to reduce recidivism and economic exclusion by removing barriers faced by
justice-impacted individuals—while also connecting people to housing stability, workforce pathways,
and supportive services. Calbert Foundation serves communities nationwide, with priority focus in
Indiana and Maryland, including support for people experiencing homelessness.
The Second Chance Act framework reduces recidivism and economic exclusion by removing structural barriers
that justice-impacted individuals face after incarceration or involvement with the criminal legal system.
In alignment with Calbert Foundation’s mission, this approach prioritizes stabilization (housing + benefits),
pathways to employment, and advocacy that improves public safety outcomes.
Core Policy Pillars
Fair Chance Employment
Limits unnecessary use of criminal history in hiring so people can compete fairly for work.
Record Relief & Expungement
Expands sealing/expungement eligibility and reduces fees to remove lifelong barriers.
Reentry Stabilization
Supports access to housing, benefits, treatment, IDs, and wraparound services during reentry.
Public Safety Outcomes
Aligns reintegration supports with reduced reoffending and stronger economic mobility.
Federal & State Application
This section is designed to hold your condensed one-page legislative summaries (Federal, Indiana, Maryland),
plus downloadable PDFs for grant portals and partner agencies.
Federal Framework
Automatic expungement (sealing) for eligible non-violent, non-sexual felonies through interoperable court/justice systems. (Act definitions + Section 3)
Eligibility: excludes homicide/death, sexual offenses, trafficking, terrorism, repeat felonies, new felonies during the waiting period, and pending charges/investigations. (Section 4)
Waiting/trigger: automatic expungement occurs after the defined waiting period following completion of sentence/probation/parole (Act uses 3–5 year references; confirm final drafting).
Automatic expungement of eligible non-violent, non-sexual felony records five (5) years after conviction or completion of sentence/probation/parole (whichever is later). (Section 3)
Clerk of the Indiana Supreme Court notifies courts/agencies to seal records; records not disclosed to employers/landlords/licensing boards except as required by federal law. (Section 3)
Exclusions: homicide, sexual offenses, trafficking, terrorism; repeat offenders or new felonies during the 5-year period. (Section 4)
Automatic expungement for eligible non-violent misdemeanors and felonies; waiting periods referenced in Criminal Procedure Article sections. (Sections 3–4)
Timeline: eligible cases automatically expunged by July 1, 2027; monthly automated expungement begins Aug 1, 2027. (Section 4(a))
Process: DPSCS + Judiciary identify eligible cases; expungement within 30 days of eligibility; individuals notified; AG oversees compliance. (Section 4(b)-(c))
Stable employment and housing are proven to reduce reoffending and improve long-term outcomes.
This platform connects people to help now (intake + resources), while advancing policy reforms
aligned with safer communities and economic mobility.
Fewer barriers → faster reintegration
Stabilization supports → fewer crises
Safer communities + stronger economies
Replace this statistic with your preferred authoritative source on the live site.
Quick access to draft texts, partner toolkits, and federal context (DOJ / HUD / Continuum of Care).
Authoritative Draft Texts
Federal + Indiana + Maryland one-page summaries and downloadable PDFs.
Related Federal Context
DOJ Second Chance Act initiatives + HUD/CoC-aligned stabilization references.
Find Help Now
Start an intake request for shelter, benefits, IDs, legal aid, and reentry navigation.
