Work after a prison sentence/ Garda vetting

Aaronxbox

Hi,I'm looking for some advice. I hope I'm not judged I'm genuinely just trying to pick up the pieces of my tattered life
Bit of background info
I'm 25YO male I was involved in a car accident a few years ago, I was driving and a friend who was a passenger died, drink was involved it was my fault and I took complete responsibility and plead guilty at the very start, I went to prison for 2 years and was released last month, with a significant driving ban
The guilt, remorse and Shame will never leave and I don't deserve for it too, I miss my friend every day
I'm just wondering what my options are regards a career before this I wanted to become a dentist, or failing that dental hygeine or dental nurse
Is there any hope of that now? Will my conviction and custodial sentence block me from ever becoming a normal part of society? I just want to start giving back to the community and leading a normal life, I don't want to join a dole queue
Please if anyone can help me with some advice please do
Thanks in advance

schemingbohemia

I don't know the answer but I think it's disgraceful that this wasn't discussed with you in prison. If we're supposed to be rehabilitating prisoners then this type of discussion needs to happen or else (generally, not directed at you OP) there will just be a repeat of offending.

Wanderer78

schemingbohemia wrote:

I don't know the answer but I think it's disgraceful that this wasn't discussed with you in prison. If we're supposed to be rehabilitating prisoners then this type of discussion needs to happen or else (generally, not directed at you OP) there will just be a repeat of offending.

I know a retired parole officer, he told me the main problem with the system is exactly what the op is experiencing, I.e. the lack of support upon release. He also told me that our current rehabilitation rate is roughly 40%. What a disgrace. Clearly the op is doing his best. What a dreadful experience.

I'd be more worried about the well being of people upon release. Just look after yourself op. Get the dole if you require it, which you more than likely do. Don't feel guilty about it. You already have experienced enough of that. The dole is a social safety net for us all so that we can survive for when we fall on hard times. Try get involved in community or volunteery based organizations and best of luck with. I'm sad to say, the systems failing you but there's options out there for you but it'll take a bit of work on your part

druss

From a bit of googling;

Citizens Information is worth a read through.


As is the Garda vetting page and the conviction types which are not disclosed.

A job in that sector shouldn't be barred to you based on what you've said about the case but it is obviously something which will come up in interviews etc. Maybe have a talk with this organisation? (Although it seems to be mainly based on discussions while still in prison)?

http://www.iasio.ie/how-can-we-help/information-for-service-users/

Best of luck with it and I'm also surprised this wasn't discussed with you, prior to release.

Miaireland

It might be worth seeing if there is an Association of Dentist or Association for Dentist Nurse, they might be able to answer your query. Maybe if you contact Citzen Advice they may know of services who could help you. Good luck.

athtrasna

Most careers like the ones you mention have unions /professional organisations. Look them up and give them a call, they'll tell you if a criminal conviction precludes you from entering the profession. Good luck op

Aaronxbox

Thank you all so much
I'll get on to it right away

Aaronxbox

I contacted the body involved the lady replied quite fast sending me a link for the Garda vetting website but when I went in depth and told me my circumstances she didn't reply
Honest I feel so down, all I keep doing is hitting brick walls I feel like there's no point in trying
My life is ruined

Speedwell

Aaronxbox wrote: »

I contacted the body involved the lady replied quite fast sending me a link for the Garda vetting website but when I went in depth and told me my circumstances she didn't reply
Honest I feel so down, all I keep doing is hitting brick walls I feel like there's no point in trying
My life is ruined

She may just be researching the question for you, Aaron. You would expect someone to have the link on hand to send it to you immediately, but she would want to make sure she is sending you the correct information. Don't lose hope yet.

goldenhoarde

druss wrote: »

From a bit of googling;

Citizens Information is worth a read through.


As is the Garda vetting page and the conviction types which are not disclosed.

A job in that sector shouldn't be barred to you based on what you've said about the case but it is obviously something which will come up in interviews etc. Maybe have a talk with this organisation? (Although it seems to be mainly based on discussions while still in prison)?

http://www.iasio.ie/how-can-we-help/information-for-service-users/

Best of luck with it and I'm also surprised this wasn't discussed with you, prior to release.

Look at the URL's druss provided and contact http://www.iasio.ie/ and see what they can do to help/advise.


don't give up yet

Tonto86

Aaronxbox wrote: »

I contacted the body involved the lady replied quite fast sending me a link for the Garda vetting website but when I went in depth and told me my circumstances she didn't reply
Honest I feel so down, all I keep doing is hitting brick walls I feel like there's no point in trying
My life is ruined

Your life ain't ruined lad. It's gonna be a bit harder at first but keep pushing, don't give up, you'll get there.

mitresize5

There are very few jobs that require Garda vetting, working with kids and the vulnerable for sure but I cant think of any others that require so don't get hung up on it too much.

If everyone who ****ed up in their youth was made to pay a life long price for it then we'd all be goosed

I say that as a bloke whos one of his best mates went off the rails completely in the early 20's, ended up doing 3 years for dealing and is now doin very well for himself and his family

tricky D

There was a piece on this topic on Newstalk just over an hour ago on the Pat Kenny Show. Care After Prison is the name of the organisation the interviewee is in and the interview is here: http://www.newstalk.com/listen_back/13240/25610/03rd_March_2016_-_The_Pat_Kenny_Show_Part_2/ about 70% into that/20ish minutes from the end.

Miaireland

It might be a few days before you hear back from the lady. She will probably have to check up the information before she gives it to you. Other things also get in the way, she might have meetings etc.

hullaballoo

The Dental Council of Ireland is the body in question here - it regulates Dentists, Dental Hygienists and Dental Nurses. I find it hard to believe that you wouldn't already know that if you are seriously considering becoming a Dental professional.

They do have some hoops that you have to jump through to register, like any professional regulator. However, looking at the code of conduct for Dentists, for example, the requirement is that you notify convictions to them. Professional bodies do have a tendency to publicly state that convicted persons, particularly those who have served time in prison are precluded from joining their profession but the reality is that there are many people who have convictions and indeed served custodial sentences who are in practice with the blessings of their regulators. The most important thing is full disclosure in relation to the conviction and all aspects of it, as well as showing that it won't have any impact on your professional career e.g., you have received treatment for alcohol misuse and don't drink anymore etc.

Aaronxbox

hullaballoo wrote: »

The Dental Council of Ireland is the body in question here - it regulates Dentists, Dental Hygienists and Dental Nurses. I find it hard to believe that you wouldn't already know that if you are seriously considering becoming a Dental professional.

They do have some hoops that you have to jump through to register, like any professional regulator. However, looking at the code of conduct for Dentists, for example, the requirement is that you notify convictions to them. Professional bodies do have a tendency to publicly state that convicted persons, particularly those who have served time in prison are precluded from joining their profession but the reality is that there are many people who have convictions and indeed served custodial sentences who are in practice with the blessings of their regulators. The most important thing is full disclosure in relation to the conviction and all aspects of it, as well as showing that it won't have any impact on your professional career e.g., you have received treatment for alcohol misuse and don't drink anymore etc.

Do you think it would be crazy of me to contact them?i honestly don't know how to actually go about it

hullaballoo

The worst thing that can come from contacting them is them telling you that you cannot become a dentist. At least then you'd know one way or another rather than having a load of people who have no idea speculating about how the Dental Council implement their own internal policies.

As I say, be totally upfront with them - tell them you have been in prison for drunk driving but want to pursue a career as a dental professional and they will tell you whether or not you are eligible.

You can start making enquiries here: http://www.dentalcouncil.ie/contactus.php

Personally, I'd pick up the phone and informally enquire about whether someone with your record can be admitted to practise. Bear in mind that the person who answers the phones probably doesn't have access to the inner sanctum of council meetings but will be able to get the ball rolling for you.

Aaronxbox

Hey guys op here
I've been offersed an interview for work placement in a clinic in town but now I'm faced with the challenge
Do I be honest and tell them about my past? And how? I'm panicking

TheHillOfDoom

I would suggest you tell them. Rumour-mill and all that.

Speedwell

TheHillOfDoom wrote: »

I would suggest you tell them. Rumour-mill and all that.

Absolutely. Don't start off a new career with a lie. Everyone knows everyone within the industry... and you never know who might know who outside it. If your conviction and rehabilitation can be forgiven, it's best to know now than to live a life of worry. If they can't be forgiven, it's best to know now than to lose your livelihood once you've become established.

Eggonyerface

No advice as such, but best of luck and hope it goes well

Aaronxbox

How do
You think the best way to tell the employer tomorrow about my past?

Speedwell

You approach it the same way you did with us. A few years ago you made a disastrous mistake. Many young people do it and suffer no consequences, but to your grief and shame you caused a serious accident, and in that accident you lost your friend. You took full responsibility and admitted to it and cooperated fully with the law and took your punishment like a man. You have never committed any crimes of fraud or violence [if this is true, it is good to state]. Now you are starting a life of which you want to be proud, and your first step is to reassure your employer that you have determined to work hard and well and prove yourself in a career you respect. Then ask what successful people in the industry have done to overcome such a problem... because I am sure there are others.

TheHillOfDoom

The one thing they will be concerned about would be clients leaving the practise because of you.

Aaronxbox

TheHillOfDoom wrote: »

The one thing they will be concerned about would be clients leaving the practise because of you.

Do you think they would

TheHillOfDoom

Aaronxbox wrote: »

Do you think they would

There will be gossip and consternation. People don't like to see criminals just serve their time. Ireland can be very unforgiving. They see it as 'look at that fella there now working, and that family still grieving'

TheHillOfDoom

Op - have you done your leaving cert? Would you consider applying to the UK to study? Would there be problems for you in obtaining a passport?
It sounds pretty **** if you do your time and are then left on your arse with no hope.

hullaballoo

Wait now, there's no reason patients in a practice would need to know that he has a drunk driving conviction or indeed that they would ever find out by way of the grapevine, which I think you're crediting with a lot more capability than it has, even in Ireland. All the OP has to do is use the Irish version of his name in professional life and that more or less solves the problem.

Aaronxbox

hullaballoo wrote: »

Wait now, there's no reason patients in a practice would need to know that he has a drunk driving conviction or indeed that they would ever find out by way of the grapevine, which I think you're crediting with a lot more capability than it has, even in Ireland. All the OP has to do is use the Irish version of his name in professional life and that more or less solves the problem.

I'm actually considering not going tomorrow I honestly think I'm wasting my time

Stheno

Aaronxbox wrote: »

I'm actually considering not going tomorrow I honestly think I'm wasting my time

Is it in your hometown or the town you were convicted in?

Aaronxbox

Stheno wrote: »

Is it in your hometown or the town you were convicted in?

It's the same place
It's a small Irish town

TheHillOfDoom

It will do you no harm to go, focus on the interview and explain your conviction and sentence. If they say no, fine.

Stheno

Aaronxbox wrote: »

It's the same place
It's a small Irish town

TheHillOfDoom wrote: »

It will do you no harm to go, focus on the interview and explain your conviction and sentence. If they say no, fine.

I agree with the hillofdoom (not the best username). Go along, see how the interview goes, and bring up your past as naturally as you can.

Fred Swanson

This post has been deleted.

david75

Probably worthless but just an idea, if you're having no luck maybe consider starting your own business in something your interested in?

Best of luck Eitherway.

Fred Swanson

This post has been deleted.

stoplooklisten

Aaronxbox wrote: »

I'm actually considering not going tomorrow I honestly think I'm wasting my time

If you don't try you can't say there is nothing for you. Go, give it your best shot. Positive mental attitude and nail the interview. This could be the start of the rest of your life.

If it turns out it's not. You have at least tried and can focus you attention to making the next opportunity for yourself. You will be in no worse a position you are in today, maybe even a better one as you will know for certain if that opportunity was for you.

Don't give up trying.

Aaronxbox

stoplooklisten wrote: »

If you don't try you can't say there is nothing for you. Go, give it your best shot. Positive mental attitude and nail the interview. This could be the start of the rest of your life.

If it turns out it's not. You have at least tried and can focus you attention to making the next opportunity for yourself. You will be in no worse a position you are in today, maybe even a better one as you will know for certain if that opportunity was for you.

Don't give up trying.

When is the best time to bring it up

Stheno

Aaronxbox wrote: »

When is the best time to bring it up

Is it well known in your area what happened/your history? If it is then they may well be aware of it, and want to interview you anyway, which might be a positive.

I'd do the interview, they might well ask a question like "tell me about yourself" which might be the opportunity to explain how you've come to be where you are?

Lisha

Aaronxbox wrote: »

When is the best time to bring it up

I just wanted to wish you best f luck op.
I've no advice but just keep trying. Be honest and stay strong. One step st s time and please don't give up on yourself.

Best of luck

TheHillOfDoom

Stheno wrote: »

Is it well known in your area what happened/your history? If it is then they may well be aware of it, and want to interview you anyway, which might be a positive.

I'd do the interview, they might well ask a question like "tell me about yourself" which might be the opportunity to explain how you've come to be where you are?

'Tell me about yourself' is usually a first question.

At the end, they will usually say something like 'have you anything to ask or anything to add'. That is when I would raise it. Try to make it into something positive somehow.

stoplooklisten

Aaronxbox wrote: »

When is the best time to bring it up

I think it's going to come fairly early in the interview when you are asked what have you been doing most recently.

Take everything positive you have learned about yourself from the whole experience . Convince the interviewer how it's made you a stronger person, more determined to succeed. How you've many changes and have learned from your experience.

I would be cautious about including it in the "tell em about yourself" because it may seem it defines who you are. You could include some of the personal skills you've gained, self reflective, able to overcome barriers etc

Satriale

Best of luck Aaronxbox, be yourself, don't stress too much, and you'll be fine.

Aaronxbox

I'm really touched by the amount of support and good advice I've got on here the past few days
Thank you all so much

TheHillOfDoom

btw OP can I just say that I feel so very sorry for the harrowing experience you, your friend and both your family's went through. Life is not fair to anyone. You made a devestating decision that day. I hope that there is a future for you. I would strongly suggest trying to get away though. People can be very unforgiving.

Elemonator

You can do this OP. The lady who you emailed isn't the only person you can ask. I know people who have picked up their lives after far more severe stuff than this, they work at my granddads building company. All have high quality training. You can do this!

Stheno

Best of luck now for tomorrow!

Mark25

Yeah good luck man. Go for it and see what happens. Don't end up not going and wondering what would have happened in a few days.

Aaronxbox

Please god I'll be back with good news tomorrow

Silverbling

best of luck with your interview,if you do not get that one then retrain or upskill and get the next, most of us have taken chances when we were younger that did not result in tragedy but we were lucky on the day, hindsight is a wonderful thing

I would imagine everyone has something they would change given the chance, all we can change is the future so please put the past behind you

blondchick

In an Irish Mammy way I will say a prayer for you tonight! I knew someone who made a mistake like you but didn't make it. In my heart I think he might have if circumstances didn't overcome him. What happened to you was devastating but you will be standing up for both yourself and your friend if you carry on and make a success of your life. No point in two lives being wasted! You did the crime, you did the time, you deserve the chance to move on and try again.