NOTE: This is a personal blog, any views or opinions represented in this blog belong solely to the FedPhoneLine staff. WE ARE NOT Psychologists or Therapy Professionals, all data and information on these blogs is for informational purposes ONLY. In the comments section we are hoping that people can outline their experiences and foster communication that will assist others going through similar events.
A friend or loved one being granted parole is very important. The inmate can serve the remainder of their sentence in the community rather than inside a Penitentiary.
Your friend or loved one should be very prepared for their Parole Hearing and you can help them to prepare (and be prepared yourself if you are directly involved in the individual’s life or attending the Parole Hearing).
Here are some suggestions which should help your friend or loved one prepare for Parole.
Communicate!
First and foremost the Parole Board is looking for honesty. Many crimes occur where the inmate acts alone (which is why when he/she is captured it is quite shocking to friends/family).
Communication is essential! Not only with you but with the Parole Board. Your friend/loved one must realize and be able to demonstrate that he/she understands their crime and how it has affected society.
This is why Correctional Programs are essential, they assist inmates recognize personal/emotional issues and suggest ways to reduce risky/harmful behavior.
You can ask your friend or loved one questions like:
- Why did you commit your crime?
- How did you get involved?
- Explain exactly what happened and what you were thinking at the time.
- Who are the victims of your crime?
- Have you read your victim impact statement? What did you think?
- How can I help you? How can your family help you?
- What have you learned from being incarcerated?
- What are your goals for the future?
Basically, you want to foster communication about the incident, what has been learned and what steps will be taken to move forward.
Communication can be expensive, click here to get a FedPhoneLine number, it will help save a lot of money on phone calls.
Practice!
The more your friend or loved one talks about his/her crimes the easier it will be during the Parole Hearing.
You can help him or her practice by asking a lot of questions and making sure they are answered honestly.
Try and put yourself in the Parole Board’s shoes. If you were in their position what would you want to know (here’s what I would want to know).
- Is this person a risk or danger to society or himself/herself if they are released
- What have they learned in Prison that will assist them be law abiding members of society
- How did they spend their time in Prison (did they complete their programs, did they pickup any more charges or have any incidents)
- Do they show remorse (do they understand there were victims to their crimes)
- How did this crime happen?
- Why did this crime happen?
- What is their work history like? Do they have a job lined up if we let them out?
- Do they have a good support network of family and friends?
Please share your comments below.