Justice-involved individuals in LA County face significant barriers to employment, housing, and long-term stability. Research shows that formerly incarcerated people experience very high unemployment, especially in the first two years after release, and are far more likely to experience homelessness. Stigma, discrimination, limited support systems, and a competitive job market can make it difficult to find meaningful work, increasing the risk of continued instability and reentry into the justice system.

What is the Fair Chance Ordinance?

As of September 2024, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (FCO) helps eliminate outdated and discriminatory hiring practices that can unfairly impact individuals with criminal histories. By promoting fair access to employment, it  helps reduce recidivism and ensures that qualified, often overlooked talent is not excluded from the workforce. The ordinance builds on the California Fair Chance Act by providing additional local protections and is enforced by the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs, which has the authority to investigate complaints and penalize employers when necessary.   The ordinance applies to businesses in unincorporated areas of LA County. The City of Los Angeles is governed by its own Fair Chance Initiative Hiring Ordinance.

What is the Fair Chance Hiring Campaign?

DEO’s Fair Chance Hiring Campaign, originally launched in 2019 following the State Fair Chance Act and expanded in 2024 with the County’s Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO), expands opportunity for justice-impacted individuals and helps employers adopt fair and inclusive hiring practices, particularly in unincorporated areas of LA County. Through outreach, education and training, compliance support, and dedicated hiring and training programs, the campaign raises awareness of the County’s FCO, connects residents to jobs and supportive services, and helps employers understand their responsibilities under the law while accessing untapped local talent.