With a criminal record - and a child

February 4, 2008

THERE IS another voice to be considered as Governor Patrick's CORI reform legislation moves through the State House ("Smart push for rehabilitation," Editorial, Jan. 29). Children of parents with a criminal record also bear the burden of current Criminal Offender Record Information regulations, and their voices are often missing from the debate.

Parents with CORI issues have limited access to formal, living-wage jobs, leaving their children living in poverty. In addition to employment restrictions, parents with criminal records are denied access to public housing, leaving families to live in less than desirable situations, such as in homeless shelters, substandard housing, or overcrowded conditions.

There is damage being done by current regulations. We hope the new regulations will be the right prescription to keep kids safe while avoiding the side effects of the current policy.

Dr. MEGAN SANDELSUSAN CROWLEY
Boston

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/letters/articles/2008/02/04/with_a_criminal_record___and_a_child/