Overview:
This report aims to examine the barriers facing youth with police records (YPRs) in Ontario, with a particular emphasis on their exclusion from the labour market. In addition to a detailed review of the literature, this report draws on the results of a targeted research survey of employers in one region of Ontario, undertaken by the Centre of Research, Policy & Program Development (the ‘Centre’) at the John Howard Society of Ontario (JHSO).
Resources
Research Highlights
51% of the organizations surveyed require police background checks of prospective employees during the hiring process
Certain sectors, such as Construction and Accommodation/Food & Services sectors are much less likely to require background checks
There is a clear relationship between the size of the company and the requirement for a police background check. Large enterprises were 3X as likely to require a police background check.
The most frequently cited reasons for requiring background checks of prospective employees were: Liability/risk management; Company Policy; Legal Requirement for Vulnerable Sector Checks; and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Bill 168)
15% of respondents reported that they will not hire anyone with a criminal record, regardless of the nature of record, how much time is passed since it was acquired, or its relevance to the job position
Recommendations
Increasing Youth Labour Supply and Demand
Regulating the Demand for Police Record Checks
Regulating the Disclosure of Police Records
Regulating the Use of Police Records
Future research