New program to help ex-offenders get IDs rolled out

COOK COUNTY, Ill. (WAND) - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, in collaboration with the Cook County Sheriff's Office, rolled out a pilot program that aims to help ex-offenders get state IDs upon release from jail.

"A valid sate identification card is just a small, but vital first step in providing an opportunity for second chances," Giannoulias said. "Providing ex-offenders who have successfully completed their sentences with essential resources and tools upon their release will increase their chances to successfully re-enter society, become self-sufficient, and rebuild their lives."

Without an ID, it can be incredibly difficult to get a job or housing, but many that get released don't have one and can't get one easily.

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart said, "I cannot tell you the number of times that we've talked to an employer ready to hire this person to a well paying job that will clearly steer them in a different direction, and they'll say 'Tom, everything's great, this is good to go. Can you get us the ID?' And then there's the long pause. There isn't one. We don't have it."

Now, more ex-offenders will have access to an ID card, which could lead to less ending up back in jail for a second time.

"Access to a home, a job, and a doctor is commonly impeded by unfair barriers. Each are crucial for successful re-entry back into society." Giannoulias continued, saying, "Access starts with a small, but significant item that many of us take for granted."

Giannoulias hopes that the program can be put in place in other counties in the future.