reality_watcher

When an inmate is due to be released, members of their family will start calling the probation and/or parole office asking what they can do to help their loved one when they get out. There are exceptions, of course, where an inmate has just burned too many bridges and will even have a hard time finding a residence to parole out to. For the most part, though, families are anxious to get their loved one released and are genuinely interested in helping them stay out of trouble.

Although the newly released subject is the only one that can actually make decisions that will be result in a successful transition into the free world or a return trip to prison, their family and friends can help them by being supportive, patient and firm. Here are some things the family can expect and ways they can help. These suggestions are based on new releases who are going to be on probation and/or parole when they get out but will give you some good suggestions even if your loved one is maxing out in prison and will not have any type of supervised transition. In that case, it is even more imperative that you help them stay on the right path.

1) Understand that when the subject is first released, they will be required to report to their parole or probation officer within 24 to 48 hours after getting out. It is not negotiable. Be prepared that they will need to have transportation to that meeting. A parolee or probationer that does not report as instructed is already in violation and the violation is noted in their case file. That is a first strike that could be avoided if arrangements are made in advance. Transportation is never an excuse for not reporting. It is a condition of their release and it is understood before release is granted.

2) Understand that when they report to the parole office, it may take a while, especially on their initial visit. Just except it and relax. I have seen many a new release embarrassed by the impatience and rudeness of the family member or friend that drove them there. They complain and show obvious signs of impatience to the parole staff. Don’t make them apologize for your behavior. If you’re not going to be able to wait on them, make arrangements to drop them off and find another ride home, or they can walk. The officers are not making them wait on purpose. Most of the officers are out in the field doing their work and there may only be the duty officer and secretary in the office. Understandingly, emergencies may pop up that have to handled immediately.

3) Help them find a job. Try and get some leads before they actually get out. Probationers that are working are more productive and feel better about themselves. They have less time on their hands to get into trouble and they have legitimate money in their pocket. They will be required to maintain gainful employment while on parole or probation. They will probably be put on a job search program where they will be required to report regularly to show their efforts in searching for employment. The quicker they can get hired, the less visits will have to be made to the office.

4) Don’t be an in-abler. Don’t cover for them and lie to their officers. If your loved one is messing up, the violations will only pile up if the problem is not handled swiftly. A violation does not necessary mean a revocation. A long series of violations, however, will surely lead to revocation. If the officer knows they are messing up, help convince the subject to talk to their officer about it and get help. That is what probation and parole is there for. If it was believed that an inmate could leave prison and never make another mistake, then there wouldn’t be a need for parole or probation. If the officer is not aware of the subject messing up and you lie and cover for them, it is guaranteed their violation will only turn into something more serious, possibly another arrest. Nothing causes revocation faster than a new arrest.

5) Refrain from having drugs and alcohol around the subject. Dependencies such as these are the root of many other legal problems. It will probably be a condition of their parole and/or probation to not drink alcohol and to submit to random drug screens. Allow their home to be a safe haven away from such temptation.

6) If the subject has not acquired a diploma or GED, than help arrange for them to go to school or classes to obtain a GED. There are many free programs that will help. Call the parole office or probation office and ask if they have a number that you can call to set something up. You can also look on the Internet or in the phone book for classes. The library is also a great place to look for information. Once their GED is obtained, more employment opportunities will be available and they will feel a lot better about themselves.

7) Help the subject stay away from people that were part of their criminal history prior to prison life. Certain people and places are just triggers and will cause a return to criminal behavior. Don’t allow them in your home and try to help them find new friends who are better influences. One place they may find some guidance and some new friends who are looking for the same answers as they is in local AA/NA(Alcoholic Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous) meeting. Even if it is not a condition of their release to go to meetings, it is still a great idea. Again, the parole/probation offices can help find meetings. Another great place to find guidance, better friends, resources and provide self worth, is in church. The church family can help with all kinds of issues your love one may face, including employment and transportation.

If your loved one has a mental health condition, than it has been determined that they are in need of mental health evaluations and medication. It is very important that they make those appointments. That will be the only way they can receive their medication (usually free). It’s also extremely important that they take their medication. A calm, reasonable, medicated, mental health subject can become easily agitated, delusional, enraged, confused, and dangerous to himself and others if he stops taking his medication.

9) Save the letters that your loved one wrote you when they were incarcerated. When they start resenting the rules of their officer or the demands of their employers and family members, show them those letters. Let them read the loneliness, sadness, fear, and desperation in those letters. Maybe it will remind them of how much better life is on the outside, even with the rules and restraints.

10) Love and forgive them.

To sum it up: Be patient with your loved one. Provide them with resources that will help them be successful on probation and/or parole. Don’t let any of your actions cause them to digress. Hold them accountable for their mistakes but guide them toward help. Make sure they do everything their supervising officer tells them to do. Let them know they are loved and truly forgiven.