Reporting Expunged or Sealed Cases in Commercial Background Checks Violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (the FCRA) governs the accuracy of criminal background checks prepared by commercial screeners.  While there is not much case law holding that the FCRA prohibits commercial screeners from reporting expunged or sealed cases, there is little doubt that it does. Two FCRA provisions apply: Commercial screeners must use “reasonable procedures”…

Opening Doors: How Philadelphia Area Colleges Can Promote Access and Equity by “Banning the Box”

Young people of color across Pennsylvania are over-criminalized at staggering rates. The consequences for any contact with the juvenile or criminal systems can be severe and long-lasting, while the circumstances that lead to arrest are often minor and may once have been thought of as normal adolescent behavior. The movement to “Ban the Box” on…

Report: Danger of the Opt-Out: Strategies for Preserving Section 8 Project-Based Housing in Philadelphia

Community Legal Services calls for action to preserve affordable housing for low-income tenants. PHILADELPHIA – A report detailing affordable housing at risk of being lost due to owner opt-out was released by the Justice Lab clinic at the Stephen and Sandra Sheller Center for Social Justice at Temple University Beasley School of Law and Community Legal Services…

Transition Memo on Philadelphia Department of Human Services

For over three decades, the Family Advocacy Unit at Community Legal Services has represented thousands of low-income parents in child welfare cases. We have a unique interdisciplinary practice model and a demonstrated commitment to holistic, high-quality parent representation. In addition to individual representation, Community Legal Services engages in systemic advocacy at the local, state and…

Report: Legal Remedies and Limitations on the Employment of People with Criminal Records in Pennsylvania

Download the full report Like most Americans, people with criminal records need to be employed to support themselves and their families. Unfortunately, a criminal record is a barrier to being hired for a job, or once hired, keeping the job. High unemployment rates make finding employment even more difficult for persons with criminal records.  …