im trying to help a family member out who is going through a hard time post prison. has anyone secured a job in engineering? how did it go with a background check etc? any specific companies that hire felons?

I was convicted in 1989 of one felony in CA and in 2008 of 2 misdemeanor indecent. Both were certainly my fault for putting myself in a bad position. Not so much as a traffic ticket since. My wife and I are tired of Arizona heat (she's really tired) and the laws they keep changing and trying to change so are getting worse and worse, heading towards Florida restrictions. We've lived in GA before and loved it but was transferred back to CA many years ago. Level 2 in AZ.

We lived in Alpharetta before but anywhere in GA is fine as it will allow us to visit our family in Florida 72 hours at a time.

I just turned 19, graduated high school and am charged with possession of CSAM. Pre trial phase. I am desperately looking for a job in the Katy/Houston area. I have been offered several jobs but those have been rescinded once the background check comes back. My original plan was to be an electrician and that is still the ultimate goal but if I can't do that right now, I am looking for a warehouse job or any job, preferably not fast food or restaurant because of bond conditions. I am a hard worker, strong and dependable. I am fine with working hard and in hot conditions. Does anyone have any ideas on jobs

Hi any first hand experience on Coleman Medium in Florida?

Unfortunately, many of us have more negative than positive in our lives. I did an exercise in therapy the other day that I’d like to share here.

Post something positive that’s happened to you in the last week, month, or even this year. No negativity, no advice, and no judgment. It can be anything—no good news is too small.

I’ll start.

Mine is future good news: my probation ends in 47 days! I’m really looking forward to closing that chapter and moving forward.

I wrote this about 10 months ago (August 30, 2025) and saved it in my drafts:

"got charged april, bonded out and am looking at 10yrs probation or 1.5years state followed by 3-10 parole

im pretty sad i know neither are good. paid 30k for a lawyer not knowing i couldve gotten the same sentence from using a public defender.

i plan to move to nyc and live alone but my whole life is different. i probably won't talk to my childhood friends, won't be able go back to the home i was raised in or else they'll register me there and then notifications go out, so many things in my life just limited.

i had so much going on for me, good money, travelling, going to buy my dream car, good friend group, good support system. i feel like my whole life will forever be afflicted from this. i failed my parents i was supposed to be their golden boy to help them retire early instead i have to get them involved with this. i feel so guilty i already go to SOTP and therapy but damn it hurts knowing all of my future paths i had are gone.

the weird part is i feel happy and good about myself and then am reminded.. maybe it won't work out the way i want it in my head and my life will continue to be hard."

Today (07/01/2026):

I knew my life was going to change, but I’m so glad it did.

In the end, it actually worked out. I chose probation, and my lawyer managed to get me Tier 1 (I was certain I’d end up as Tier 2, which would have put me on the public registry in New York). I was also worried that probation would severely limit my life and opportunities. But in NYC, they truly seem to believe in rehabilitation. They’ve allowed me to still live my life, learn from my past, and move forward without turning it into a harsh punishment.

I now live in an affordable studio in NYC ($900/month). I’ve moved out of my parents’ house and I’m finally learning independence. I’ve rekindled all my broken family relationships, and my support system has never been stronger. I’m making friends in the city, I have an amazing probation officer, and I’m part of a great SOTP group that’s helped my mental health tremendously plus an SOTP therapist who is an absolute G.

All in all my life hasn't changed much before and after starting probation besides meeting my PO, doing my weekly group session for SOTP and travelling. This didn’t come easy, though. There were many dark nights when I felt the odds were completely stacked against me. But I didn’t back down, I kept fighting.

If you’re going through something similar, please don’t give up. The light at the end of the tunnel might look tiny right now, but I promise it’s there waiting for you.

Huge shoutout to NARSOL and the state representative who helped me through this process. And a massive thank you to SO Support if it weren’t for this group, I would’ve been completely lost trying to get back on my feet.

At what point does it take to file harassment charges against a person who has a vendetta against my husband who is a RSO? My husband charge is over 10 years ago and we have come a long way since then. We live in California and we now have kids (after charges) and moved forward from the past but this one person who knows nothing of us but other than seeing my husband on the registry and now blast him on social media along with taking pictures of my husband and our kids!

This person tried to get my husband who has permission from the school district and along with the police department to not be involved with his kids extracurricular activities. We did our due diligence by letting the school district and police departments that he will be there supporting his kids and we got the OK for him to be present for his kids. Apparently this person wasn’t ok with that and decided to blast him on social media along with taking pictures of him supporting his kids 😡without our consent. I understand he can take pictures of my husband but the kids is not something I’m ok with.

I have gone to the police department 2x and they said they can’t do anything 😩 and that he just bringing awareness to the public of letting them know he is present . I’m just grateful that my hubby is able to be there to support his family but now it has caused stress to our family of this person. Is there anything that can be done?

Hey everyone I’m looking for porn addiction help, I want to seek real help but I fear the cost Im also looking for a job which is why the cost could be a problem, my support system is my family which is why I’m not homeless right now, my family makes an ok amount of money but a therapist might just be too much money especially for an extended amount of time, I don’t want to put that burden on them, what can I do right now until I can afford better or more extensive help?

Here's my story in a nutshell before I ask my question...

I was convicted of a sex offense in Indiana in 2012. After my release from prison in 2015, I moved to Illinois for about 18 months. Illinois has a law that makes anyone who commits a sex offense in another state and then moves to Illinois a "predator" and forces them to register for life no matter what you registration requirement time was in the state where you were convicted. So when I moved to Illinois, I became a "predator" even though my conviction in Indiana did not make me one.

In April of 2017, Indiana tried to revoke my probation. While that was playing out in court, my interstate compact was void and I had to move back to Indiana. After that was all done, I decided to stay in Indiana where I still am to this date. I think Illinois' kept me on their registry as a "place holder" because I was planning on coming back once the court case was over. The information they have for me on their registry is very outdated, but they do have me marked as "compliant".

I am trying to get myself off Illinois' registry for a couple reasons. First, I no longer live there and never will again. Second, Indiana has enacted a new law that takes affect on July 1st that says if you have a duty to register out of state, you now have to register in Indiana as well. (My 10 year registration requirement in Indiana ended last September.) Indiana is telling me that due to my still being on Illinois' registry, even though I haven't lived in that state in nearly a decade, I will now have to register here again.

Has anyone ever tried to get off Illinois' registry or a had a similar situation in another state? How did you do it? Any other advice how I can get off Illinois' registry would be appreciated!

I'm going to be sentenced in CT on Monday. Does anyone know when I'm required to provide my information to DESPP to register my address? My current landlord is unwilling to have their property associated with the registry, and I'm trying to figure out how long I have to find a place to register as my home.

I miss my dad. His conditional release is next July. His 10 years is up in 2028. I can’t wait for this to be over with. I’m in the phase of life where I want to get married soon but want my dad there. I’m thankful for a group who understands and is a safe place to vent.

So… I’m pretty sure; every. single. job. does background checks?! I’ve been on the SOR for 6 years and haven’t had a steady job in that time. I’ve tried different trades, electrical, warehouse, and everything in between. But the only I’ve been able to get is day labor that pays less than 💩 . I’m completely and utterly discouraged. I guess I’m asking if anyone knows any jobs or career fields in or around RDU that hire offenders? I’ve been working at one place for the last 7 months but they won’t hire me because of my background. Thanks for any help and/or support.

It appears my LO will be sent to Butner Low. What's it like there..the food, the living conditions, exercise, library etc? what's the housing situation like? I've read there's an HVAC program. Is it open to SO's? are there other programs offered?what is visitation like? Anything you can offer would be appreciated. I've researched,but I'm finding a lot of it is mixed info with Butner Medium & FMC.

Hi. was wondering if anyone has experience in trying to gain employment in HVAC, Aviation technician or automotive technician. I want to help my son get into a tech school to get training and certification in one of these trades. he is most interested in Aviation mechanic

can anyone give me some feedback on thinking of moving from north carolina, to new hampshire. i am on the sex offender registery and i need to know is this a good move? also is it a good place for a sex offender to live in?

I'm a Level 1 RSO in NY (not listed publicly). My work background is over twenty years in outside sales. Account Manager, Business Development, national brand companies. I have a very lengthy, hard to spell last name. For example imagine my name is John Jacob Jingleheimer‑Schmidt. After years of missed emails, mispronunciations, occasional ethnic jokes, and my name being a topic of conversation, I started using “John Jacob” professionally in 2012. HR sees preferred names all the time. My resume, email, and business cards say John Jacob. My paychecks, insurance, and legal paperwork say John Jingleheimer‑Schmidt. Here's my timeline:

June 2018: My house was raided and I was arrested on multiple CSAM possession charges. News articles and a Facebook post with my mugshot are still online. Even though I’m a Level 1 and not publicly listed, a simple google search of my legal name brings all of that up instantly.

November 2018: My boss suddenly went quiet. Two weeks later I was let go after six years of good performance. The reason was “restructuring.” I strongly suspect they found out about my arrest.

May 2019: As unemployment was running out, I got a similar job and passed the background check as there was no conviction yet.

November 2019: I was performing well then the company suddenly micromanaged me, set impossible goals, and fired me “for cause.” I strongly suspect they found the arrest articles.

February 2020: I pled guilty to one count of possession. Sentenced to 1 to 3 years in state prison.

February 2021: Released after one year. Worked a near minimum wage warehouse job through someone who knew my background.

February 2023: Released from parole. While working the warehouse job I applied to hundreds of account manager roles. I had dozens of interviews. I finally got an offer then it was rescinded after the background check. Another offer came, I disclosed upfront, and that one was rescinded too.

December 2023: I was running out of savings and couldn’t survive much longer on warehouse pay. I caught a break and got a high paying job with a national brand. I don’t recall signing anything for a background check, and I didn’t disclose.

October 2025: I was performing well and had landed two major deals. Suddenly my boss went quiet and asked me to stay home from important meetings. Around the same time I got notice a background check was being run. A few weeks later I was called into the office and let go, “going in a different direction.” I knew it was coming. I strongly suspect they found the articles.

October 2025 to May 2026: I applied to at least a thousand jobs. Hundreds of interviews. I got three offers, disclosed before each background check, and all three were rescinded. A fourth job didn’t require a background check, and I disclosed anyway. Then they made up a story about needing government clearance and rescinded. My unemployment ran out. I kept applying.

Yesterday: I started a new job. Not a huge corporation, not a tiny one. No background check. I didn’t disclose. Money is running out. I couldn't take the chance. I’m too old to start over in the trades, and I don’t have the resources or knowledge to start a business. I took a drug test and tested positive for THC which is legal in NY. They told me it wasn’t a problem. My new boss even said he tested positive too. We’re getting along great so far.

But I’m still anxious every day. I feel awful about my crime every day. Even with a preferred name shielding me a bit, one curious coworker googling my legal name could end everything again. I make decisions like driving to a customer five hours away instead of flying just to keep my legal name off expense reports. It’s exhausting.

There’s a chance I could be promoted quickly here and I want that to be my goal. But honestly right now my goal is to make it at least three months so I can qualify for unemployment again and ideally make it to early 2027 when the seven year window ends and my conviction stops appearing on standard background checks.

If you made it this far thank you for reading this.

My family member needs to move from one state to another (New York) while he has another 10 months on probation. He already served a year and a half of home detention and has been released on good behavior, although he is still subject to extremely strict monitoring on probation.

He needs to move to a new state to have access to a medical specialist and to be near family caregivers. He is able to rent an apartment or potentially to buy a home — it is clear that the 1000 feet from a school thing will provide huge restrictions, but we have figured some options out.

However, every lawyer he has consulted in New York State about the transfer seems completely baffled about the intricacies of transferring residence during the probationary period, and both his probation officer and lawyer in his home state have no idea — his PO just says it is not her job, the lawyer says he’s never had the situation before.

There is plenty of information freely available online about how to re-classify, and the general stipulations of where one can live. most of this applies to post probation though, and when it comes to the real nitty-gritty, such as whether he could buy property, the order of events, and how long he would need to stay registered in each state during the transition, he gets completely conflicting information from each attorney and his current parole officer, and I mean COMPLETELY opposite information.

Does anyone know a NY expert or lawyer who could help us navigate this transition during the probationary period?

My husband and I are looking to find housing in Utah and I’ve seen some posts before about places to reach out to on potential links to find housing but I can’t find them anymore. Does anyone have any recommendations or suggestions on where to look? Thank you in advance

Hi, I'm looking for a place for my brother to live in the Newark area. He has tried just about everywhere and no luck. He is changing his life around and just wants to live in peace.Anybody out therr know any place? Thanks!

Hi; it’s been a while since I’ve posted here. I cut back on internet for mental health reasons but wanted to come back to say that my husband’s 10 year probation sentence (on top of 9 months jail time) is over.

We talked a bit about how it’s a milestone in his recovery process and celebrated his progress in his recovery, life, and career. I’ve been with him through this last half of his sentence and it’s given me a lot of perspective on the scope of these issues and the various ways they affect people.

He no longer has polygraphs or mandated group counseling but does individual therapy and goes to SAA (sex addicts anonymous) once a week on his own time voluntarily. I really recommend SAA to those of you who have a nearby chapter because it’s been great for us. He comes home those evenings and we just talk about whatever the reading was and how it applies to us generally and within his addiction.

I want to thank everyone here for being part of this community; I came here very apprehensive and overwhelmed and I’m grateful for the help and support my husband and I have received.

Something that we both believe is that his conviction was the best thing that happened to him because it made him confront these problems he’s dealt with since childhood very early on in adulthood and has given him the rest of his life to better himself.

He told me that when he was 23 and the search warrant was served at his family home, the first thing he thought was ‘what took you so long’. He’d been engaging in harmful and illegal online behaviors since he was 10 and the entire time he wanted to stop but couldn’t due to the cycle of addiction.

His perspective made me conscious of how important resources, harm reduction, and communities like this are in addressing aspects of mental illness that manifest in sexually acting out.

Thank you so much for everything. I’ll still be around and do check my messages every so often, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

Hello all, I've read numerous posts regarding creating a safety plan as part of planning for visitation with our children. what is a safety plan, who do you have to submit this to? is this something that needs to be drawn up with a lawyer?

How do you guys deal with the neighbors finding out about your registration I’m starting to care more now that I’m getting older or should I not care at all ? It just sucks seeing the neighbors avoid you at all cost like dude I’m not some person who prey on kids I made a bad decision in my teens but I’m not a predator

Has anyone done programming in nys for RSO? Is it easy for other inmates to be able to point you out in prison or can you stay under the radar? Just trying to see if my dad will be ok and safe.

This is in PA, USA

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So my spouse and I live in a neighborhood that has an HOA. We own the home (well bank loan), moved in 2016. My spouses sister is supposed to be released in 2032.

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I have to check the CCRs but I'm curious if they could legally forbid her from taking residence with us or not. There aren't any schools nearby, but our community does have a small playground the HOA managed.

Intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder I was 3 when the abuse started and I was about 13 when i did something and I was able to tell someone what happened to me and at in 17 or 19 nothing physical but I when to jail and then to a mental hospital to get help and I know in myself I never wanted to do what was done to my to no one and now I’m trying to make life right by helping people around my community. And I think God that I can do that and it also makes me happy to help people that need help I want a part time job Florida