Youth Justice: Employment Rights

How do juvenile and criminal records impact employment?

Employers are NOT legally allowed to consider certain kinds of records, including:

• Juvenile records
• Charges that did NOT result in a conviction
• Summary convictions (also called citations)

Employers may consider misdemeanor and felony convictions, but should also consider:

• The age of the conviction
• The seriousness of the offense
• Whether the offense relates to the job

Certain fields, like health care and child care, have extra rules about hiring people with records.

• Juvenile records should not bar you from working in any field.
• Adult convictions may prevent you from becoming licensed or working in certain fields.
• If you are not sure whether you can enter a field, get legal help – especially before spending money on school or taking out student loans!

If you have been rejected or fired from a job because of a juvenile or criminal record, you may have legal rights!

It is helpful to:

• Keep copies of any paperwork an employer gives you, including rejection letters and background checks.
• Keep track of where you applied to jobs, who you spoke to, and anything they told you about your record.
• Seek legal help if you think your rights have been violated!

Get Help

If you need help with a juvenile record, Community Legal Services may be able to help.