RUSTON, La. – Northeast Delta Human Services Authority has announced a new initiative that will provide a limited number of qualifying clients who reside in Lincoln Parish the opportunity to pursue expungement with the aid of a professional attorney.
Expungement is a key component to breaking the cycle of recidivism in our community. For many individuals, a criminal record presents significant barriers to housing, employment and public benefits, which ultimately prevents them from reaching their full human potential.
“This initiative is designed to serve as a demonstration of one way that we can reach out to those who are actively seeking treatment and recovery and offer them a second chance,” said Dr. Monteic A. Sizer, executive director of Northeast Delta HSA. “Our goal is to create an opportunity for Lincoln Parish citizens who may have committed a crime under the influence of an addictive or mental health disorder to be meaningfully reintegrated back into society.”
The eligibility requirements for the initiative are as follows:
1) Any client who is currently connected to services through NEDHSA or has gone through the screening process to set an appointment with a NEDHSA clinic, AND
2) Has a criminal conviction or arrest for a misdemeanor or felony in Lincoln Parish.
“Every life has meaning and purpose beyond their criminal background,” said Attorney Kia Baldwin Richardson, Ruston, who is partnering with Northeast Delta for this initiative. “They have goals and dreams they want to fulfill, but their background check prevents employers and landlords from seeing the person they are today.”
Baldwin Richardson will be hosting an event to provide initial consultations for those interested in participating in the expungement initiative. This event will be held on Thursday, Dec. 19, from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., at New Living Word Ministries, 1900 W. Barnett Springs Ave., Ruston, Louisiana. All clients attending the event are asked to bring a driver’s license or state-issued identification and, if possible, a copy of the court minutes showing their conviction.
“We must continue to innovate and remove obstacles from those who are committed to self-sufficiency and pursuing the American Dream,” said Sizer.
This expungement event is part of a larger workforce initiative by Northeast Delta that includes the LARe prison re-entry program and the Second Opportunity Workforce Solutions (SOWS) program.
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About Northeast Delta Human Services Authority
Northeast Delta HSA manages the operation of community-based programs to improve the quality of life for individuals with major mental illness, developmental disabilities, and addictive disorders. Northeast Delta accomplishes this by utilizing a nationally-recognized and integrative approach that identifies and addresses behavioral and primary health care needs.
Our agency operates through collaboration with regional partners in business, prevention, education, and care in 12 parishes (Caldwell, East Carroll, West Carroll, Ouachita, Lincoln, Madison, Franklin, Morehouse, Jackson, Tensas, Richland, and Union). Northeast Delta is devoted to delivering programs and services that encourage citizens of northeast Louisiana to reach their full human potential. Three tenets guide these efforts: excellent customer service, greater access to services, and competent, quality care.
Northeast Delta HSA Media Contact
Desi Hammett
Public Information Director
2513 Ferrand Street
Monroe, LA 71201
Office: (318) 362-4538
Email: desi.hammett@la.gov
Northeast Delta HSA Press & Media
www.nedeltahsa.org
