Securing Second Chances through Technology: Partnerships Advancing Clean Slate Implementation
By Dr. Laura Chavez and Alia Toran-Burrell
The Clean Slate Initiative’s mission includes not only passing Clean Slate policies but also ensuring they are implemented so that automatic record clearance becomes a reality for millions of people in America. While clearing arrest and conviction records can include technical hurdles, those hurdles aren’t insurmountable — especially with the right people at the table.
That’s why The Clean Slate Initiative (CSI) is pulling together the right mix of experts to learn how to address any implementation hurdles and build upon learnings from states as we go. One of those valued partnerships is with Code for America.
Over the last 5 years, Code for America has worked in over 20 states to help government agencies use and adapt the technology they already have to deliver automatic record clearance for people who are eligible — unlocking opportunities and a true second chance.
CSI and Code for America work together to ensure Clean Slate implementation is successful from day one.
When CSI landscapes a state, Code for America provides initial insights on the technical feasibility of automatic record clearance in that state and identifies where key challenges may lie. This helps us identify core areas to focus on during the legislative campaign to ensure a policy is technically feasible to be implemented.
In the early stages of a Clean Slate legislative campaign, partners identify the key provisions that must be included in a Clean Slate bill. CSI and Code for America work alongside state advocates and partners to help draft early policies that take into account and solve for potential challenges to implementation. Throughout the legislative session, we meet directly with state agencies to learn more about their systems, collectively troubleshoot technical challenges, and share technical proofs of concepts that solve for challenges. Code for America helps keep a clear focus on ensuring that any drafted policy must be technically feasible in order for implementation to succeed.
After a law passes, Code for America continues to support state governments and state advocates in ensuring successful implementation, including how government can identify eligible records and update those records across relevant systems. The organization does so by helping government leverage existing technical infrastructure and continuing to share examples of ways to use technology to overcome common automatic record clearance challenges. Together, we find ways to apply the tools that governments already have to be able to implement Clean Slate automatic record clearance effectively and efficiently. We are working hard to ensure governments are ready and able to provide relief for those who are eligible and waiting for the second chance they deserve.
