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CSI & SCM
This Second Chance Month is especially meaningful as we prepare to celebrate 5 years of working toward our mission.
What better time to reintroduce ourselves than now?
The Power of Second Chances
Our SCM message from Dr. Sheena Meade, CEO, highlights the power of second chances and the growing momentum behind Clean Slate policies.
Our Mission
The Clean Slate Initiative passes and implements laws that automatically clear eligible records for people who have completed their sentence and remained crime-free, and expands who is eligible for clearance.
Our Vision
People will no longer be defined by their records and will have the opportunity to contribute to their community, have a fair opportunity to work, get an education, and achieve their full potential.
Our Strategy
Advocate for Clean Slate Legislation
Implement Clean Slate Legislation
Redefine the Narrative Around People with Records
Clean Slate Opens the Door to Second Chances
Learn more about the need for Clean Slate and how automated record sealing can help pave the way to second chances.
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These are just a few of more than 42,000 state and federal regulatory restrictions that limit the ability of people with records to access meaningful opportunities to build a better life. (SOURCE: National Reentry Resource Center)
BARS Simulator
Our Barriers and Realities Simulator (BARS) is a virtual experience intended to give people insight into what it’s like to navigate life with an arrest or conviction record. Using one of four avatars, users apply for employment, housing, and educational opportunities. Try out the simulator below.
The Impact In Numbers
Nearly 70 - 100 million adults in America — or 1 in 3 — has an arrest or conviction record that limits their ability to work, obtain housing, and engage in civic life. Having a record, even an arrest record, is a significant barrier to economic mobility. (SOURCES: SEARCH and Sentencing Project)
$78 - $87 billion is the estimated loss in gross domestic product every year resulting from shutting people with records out of the workforce. (SOURCE: Barber & Bucknor)
A person is no more likely to commit an offense after staying crime-free for 4 to 7 years than anyone else. (Source: SEARCH)
Studies show that within one year of having a record sealed, people were 11% more likely to be employed and saw an over 22% increase in income. (SOURCE: Prescott & Starr)
Nearly half of all children in the U.S. have at least one parent with a record. (SOURCE: Sentencing Project)
Job applicants with a record are 50% less likely to get a callback, keeping millions of people trapped in joblessness or poverty. (SOURCE: Pager, Western, & Sugie)
Over 15 million people are eligible for full or partial record sealing in the 12 states that have enacted legislation meeting Clean Slate criteria. (SOURCE: CSI)
8 million Black people with records would be eligible for full or partial record sealing if all 50 states passed laws meeting CSI's policy minimums. (SOURCE: CSI)
Over 18 million women have a record in the U.S. and half of them would be eligible to receive full record clearance if Clean Slate legislation passes in all 50 states. (SOURCE: CSI)
Data from a survey of people with records in MI, PA, and UT, shows nearly 70% of Republicans and 72% of Democrats strongly or somewhat agree that “by clearing your criminal record, people like me have a good chance of improving our standard of living.” (SOURCE: CSI)
Data from a survey of people with records in MI, PA, and UT, shows that nearly 1 in 3 people with arrest or conviction records report difficulty getting a job, maintaining employment, making a living, or paying rent or bills. (SOURCE: CSI)
Data from a survey of people with records in MI, PA, and UT, shows that 42% of respondents reported improvements in work, employment, finances or public assistance, while 35% reported improvement in personal or family relations. (SOURCE: CSI)
Second Chance Month Events
CSMA Student Lobby Day
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Join students from across Massachusetts for a lobby day in support of the state's Clean Slate legislation!
Second Chances Under the Second Trump Administration
In-person attendance only. Space is limited.
How We Can Reduce Overdoses While Promoting Safety & Opportunity
Join Dream.Org staff and allies from the Drug Policy Alliance, the Global Health Advocacy Incubator's Overdose Prevention Initiative and The Clean Slate Initiative for a frank conversation about challenges to nationwide drug policy advocacy.
Barriers to Bridges: Clean Slate Laws & Public Health
Join the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts for a 60-minute webinar to learn more about the intersection of Clean Slate and public health.
The Case for Conservative Criminal Justice Solutions: Capitol Hill Briefing
Join Right On Crime for an exclusive Capitol Hill staffer briefing on the case for conservative criminal justice solutions.
The Economic Benefits of Expungement: Building Momentum from the Expungement Reform Act of 2025 to Clean Slate
The Center for Criminal Justice Reform (CCJR) at the University of Baltimore Law School invites you to a Town Hall event that will bring together community members, business leaders, policymakers, and advocates including directly impacted leaders to celebrate progress in removing barriers to record clearance in Maryland, discuss what’s next in creating employment opportunities for people with criminal records, and highlight the economic benefits of expungement.
Clean Slate Champions: A Community Call for Second Chances
Join us for a special community call where we’ll bring together the Clean Slate network to share powerful insights on the impact of Clean Slate policies at both the state and federal levels. This is your chance to connect, learn, and help build momentum so we can all play a role in advancing second chances for everyone.
Breaking Barriers: The Fight for Fair Occupational Licensure
Join the Center for Justice & Economic Advancement (JFF) for a 30-minute LinkedIn Live conversation exploring how outdated occupational licensing laws create barriers to employment for skilled workers with records. Featuring experts from JFF's Center for Justice & Economic Advancement and the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice, this discussion will highlight the economic and business case for licensing reform.
Federal Clean Slate Legislation Press Conference on Capitol Hill
Join us on Wednesday, April 30, at 9:00 AM at the U.S. Capitol for a public press event announcing the reintroduction of the Clean Slate Act and Fresh Start Act.
Clean Slate Expungement Clinic - Lexington, KY
This clinic is a beacon of hope and transformation, designed to provide practical insights, resources, and a sense of community for those looking to re-enter society after experiencing setbacks. Whether you're someone with a record, a supporter of second chance initiatives or a business leader interested in hiring, this event is tailored to meet your needs.
Second Chance Stories
CSI’s storyteller series showcases real-life people across the country who have, or had, an arrest or conviction record. Hearing first-hand experiences is one of the most impactful ways we can understand and build support for Clean Slate.
Bill: Clean Slate Storytellers
Bill Wallace founded Tomorrow's Promise Foundation in 2017 with the mission of empowering youth by providing access to programs that enhance life skills. After being tried as an adult and sentenced to prison as a juvenile, Bill transformed his life through determination and hard work. Today, he leads Tomorrow's Promise Foundation, shaping the next generation of community leaders.
Erica: Clean Slate Storytellers
Erica thought she knew the (justice) system she was working in… until she had to learn more about it from a true insiders’ perspective after both her parents were sentenced. Her story is an example of how records reach beyond the person who carries them, and what it means to love someone who lives with a record.
Kenneth: Clean Slate Storytellers
By moving to a big city, Kenneth thought that he’d be able to find a well-paying, steady job and then move up from there. Instead, because of his record, he was faced with 40 interviews that resulted in 40 rejections. After finally landing a job, he still faced barriers to housing, getting life insurance, and more.
Neshea: Clean Slate Storytellers
Naesha’s story touches on the stigma that surrounds people who have records. She talks about how the process of seeking record relief isn’t just financially burdensome and time-consuming — it’s also an emotional journey, which is one of the many reasons why automated record sealing is so important.
Destiny: Clean Slate Storytellers
Destiny’s story showcases how important it is for people with records to find open doors instead of endless barriers. After overcoming addiction, homelessness, and a past filled with trauma, she still felt pulled down by the weight of her record — until she was presented with an opportunity for a job that changed the course of her life.
Jamar: Clean Slate Storytellers
Jamar shares his story through art: His spoken word performance highlights how he transformed pain into purpose, and his passion for writing and storytelling is how he hopes to inspire others to do the same.
CSI's Resource Library
Explore resources related to Clean Slate and second chances.
Read More About Second Chances
From Judgment to Redemption: Why Faith Communities Support Clean Slate
People of faith have long believed in redemption, renewal, and the sacred dignity of every human being. That's why faith communities in Illinois support Clean Slate. Learn more in this guest update from Rev. Ciera Bates-Chamberlain.
Reframing the Picture: The Power of Imagery in Second Chance Stories
Too often, media coverage, blog posts, and social media posts about legal system reform are accompanied by harmful, stereotypical imagery, reducing people to the moment of their worst mistake. We have a responsibility to make sure we're not silently reinforcing those stereotypes in our storytelling. Learn more in this update from Morgan Kelly, Senior Marketing & Communications Strategist.
Second Chances and Health: Clean Slate Conversations During Public Health Week
During National Public Health Week 2025, CSI joined two critical conversations to explore how arrest and conviction records affect public health. Learn more in this update from Stacey Ferguson, VP of Marketing & Communications.
Support Clean Slate
Your voice and action matter. Share your story to amplify the importance of second chances, or make a donation to help expand access to automated record sealing and opportunity for millions.
Social Media Assets
Graphics
The best way to spread the word about Second Chance Month? Post about it! Use the graphics below, and sample posts in the next section, to show your support for second chances and opening doors to opportunity.
Tag us in your posts and we'll amplify them!
Twitter: @cleanslate_init
Instagram: @cleanslateinitiative
Facebook: @CSICleanSlateInitiative
LinkedIn: Clean Slate Initiative
Sample Posts
Feel free to add a personal touch to sample posts. We got it started, and now it’s your turn.
April is #SecondChanceMonth! 1 in 3 people in America live with a record, facing daily barriers that limit opportunities. This month, we recognize those challenges while also celebrating the power of #secondchances through #CleanSlate legislation. Together, we can seal the past and open doors to new opportunities.
#SecondChanceMonth is about breaking barriers and building futures! Everyone deserves the opportunity to move forward after making a mistake. Sealing past records after meeting the necessary requirements - opens doors to meaningful jobs, safe housing, and a #SecondChance to reach full potential.
70-100 million people in America are impacted by the criminal legal system – leaving missions to face barriers to jobs, housing, and opportunities. Clean Slate legislation automates record sealing after individuals meet the necessary requirements, ensuring fair access to a #SecondChance. Because everyone deserves the opportunity to move forward after making a mistake – and that’s what #SecondChanceMonth is all about.
Living with a record in America can mean being locked out of meaningful job opportunities, safe and stable housing, and new opportunities - even after taking responsibility and meeting the requirements to start fresh. That’s why we’re working to advance #CleanSlate automated record sealing policies so that everyone can have fair access to a #SecondChance after making a mistake.
There are millions of people in America that have taken responsibility for their past and remained crime-free for years - even decades. Yet, old records still cause barriers to the very things that create stability such as meaningful jobs, safe housing, and quality education. This #SecondChanceMonth, let’s recognize the transformational impact of #CleanSlate policies – sealing the past and unlocking brighter futures.
#SecondChanceMonth is a time to celebrate the growing momentum of #CleanSlate laws! With 12 states already on board and bipartisan support growing in Congress, the impact is clear: Clean Slate policies strengthen families, boost the economy, and create safer, healthier communities. Let’s keep the momentum going!
This #SecondChanceMonth, we celebrate the transformational impact that #CleanSlate policies can have on families across the nation. With nearly half of all kids in the United States having at least one parent with a record, the impact of a record can extend for generations. #CleanSlate policies open the door for parents to provide for themselves and their families.
#SecondChanceMonth is a time to recognize that #CleanSlate automated record sealing policies are a win for communities. Studies show that within one year of having a record sealed, people were 11% more likely to be employed and saw an over 22% increase in income. When people with records get jobs, secure housing, and build stable lives, communities are safer and stronger.
The numbers don’t lie! Clean Slate policies are working and have bipartisan support. Data from a survey of people with records in MI, PA, and UT, shows nearly 70% of Republicans and 72% of Democrats strongly or somewhat agree that “by clearing your criminal record, people like me have a good chance of improving our standard of living.” This #SecondChanceMonth, we continue to celebrate the momentum of #CleanSlate and #SecondChances!