PAROLE PLAN PRESENTATION



PAROLE PLAN PRESENTATION

T.I.F.A. San Antonio Chapter

Rita Castro, Chair

.

October 2010

Sample Cover Sheet

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PAROLE PLAN

for

Person’s Name

TDCJ #

D.O.B. ##/##/####

Name of Unit

City, State

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PREFACE

NAME OF INMATE

TDCJ# _ _ _ _ _ _ _

INTRODUCTION

This parole packet has been prepared on behalf of Name of Inmate, TDCJ #_ _ _ _ _ _ _. Presently, Inmate is at the Name of Unit in City, Texas. Offender Name of Inmate is eligible for parole on month and year. By this date, offender name will have served # years of his/her sentence. He/She will have served # years of his/her sentence. Offender Last name is currently serving # of years sentence. He/She is serving # of years, was sentenced on date, at the age of age years old. This is offender last name’s first or second time in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

This packet consists of offender last name’s letter to the Parole Board Commissioner and members; offender’s ten factors of consideration for parole; a copy of the offender’s high school diploma or G.E.D.; documentation of programs completed; certificates; letters of support; and photos. Tell how the person has been dealing all these years with the charge and sentence. How he/she has tried to best do the time and how their disciplinary record reflects their efforts. Indicate how they have given respect to correctional officers and staff throughout their incarceration. Are there any officers willing to speak on their behalf?

Offender last name has recently begun to participate in activity. List certificates or other accomplishments. Offender last name comes from middle class family, and a stable home? If not, don’t say it. Indicate if they have a home to come to., and support needed for their transition back to society (letters of support provided in section #7).

Offender last name with the love and support of their family, and their visits has come to appreciate life and freedom. He/she has accepted responsibility and is ready to go forward and live a productive life as a member of society. (Family photos in section #8).

OPTIONAL: The offender (offender’s family member, other relative or friend) is requesting an interview with the honorable Parole Board Commissioner and members, if possible. Name of person can be reached on their cell phone # (area code) ###-#### (or other method).

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Name of Inmate

TDCJ # _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Name of Unit

City, Texas

Date

Dear Parole Board Commissioner and members,

In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and state some basic facts about your situation, like: I am writing this letter on my behalf. My name is name of inmate, and I am __ years old. I came into the system in year at the age of age. I am serving a # of years sentence and I will have done # years on date of parole eligibility. Indicate how you feel about what you have been convicted. Do you regret it? Why might you have done it? What have you learned?

Discuss your status: single? Married? Talk about your family, parents, siblings. Have they been there for you? Where do you get your inspiration? Did they visit often? Are they supportive?

Talk about what programs you have participated in, what certificates you have earned, or classes you have taken while incarcerated.

What do you plan to do if or when paroled? College? Employment? Any job offers? Indicate you wish to become a productive member of society. Where will you live?

Finish with how you feel your crime affected people. And, your commitment to giving back. Reiterate the support you have waiting on the outside and ask for a positive vote on your request for parole.

Finally, thank the Parole Board Commissioner and members for their time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Sign your name

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MY TEN FACTORS

1. CRIMINAL RECORD:

Briefly explain your criminal history. This is the first time I have been incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

2. PERSONALITY:

Describe your personality. I consider myself to be an intelligent, respectful person. What if anything have you learned during your incarceration? I have learned to value freedom, of an education, and the value of hard work.

3. ADEQUACY OF PAROLE PLAN:

Do you have a place to go upon release? What is your plan? Will you be able to work? Do you know of resources available?, etc.

4. ATTITUDE AND ABILITY TO EARN A LIVING:

Do you have a positive attitude? How to you look at things? Challenges? People? Life? Do you have any employable skills? Do you have any job prospects for when you get out? What do you plan to do?

5. FAMILY STATUS – CONSTRUCTIVE ASSOCIATES:

Do you have family waiting? Parents? Brothers/Sisters? Aunts/Cousins? Friends? Did they visit regularly? Do they suffer from illness? Do they have good, stable jobs?

6. TYPE OF RESIDENCE AND COMMUNITY

Where do you plan to live? In what kind of neighborhood? If it’s a family home, how

long? Do they own the home?

7. HISTORY OF EXCESSIVE USE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS

Before prison, did you experiment with drugs and alcohol? Why? Did you attend a

treatment program while in prison? What is your relationship to these substances

now?

8. MENTAL AND PHYSICAL CONDITION

How old are you? Do you have and diseases (high blood pressure, diabetes, etc)?

How do you take care of yourself? Is your appearance important to you? Do you

strive to stay clean and well groomed? Do you exercise? Read? Attend church?

9. CONDUCT RECORD IN PRISON

Did you get any disciplinary cases during your incarceration? None? Were they all

Minor? Were there more in the beginning? Are they fewer now? Are you respectful

Toward the guards? Did you take courses, get certificates?

10. OTHER TEN FACTORS THE PAROLD BOARD MAY CONSIDER

Is there anything else you would like the board to know or consider? Overall, how do you view your time in prison? Do you notice if it has hurt your family? What kind of opportunity would you like? To help your parents? Support your wife and children? Be a productive citizen? How do you plan to do it? Employment? Education? End by thanking them for taking time to read through all the material before them on your behalf.

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SERIOUS AND VIOLENT OFFENDER REENTRY INTIATIVE PROGRAM (SVORI)

SVORI is a 63-bed program housed at the Estelle Unit in Huntsville that provides pre-release and in-cell programming for male offenders releasing directly from administrative segregation.  Offenders may be placed in the program as the result of an FI-7R vote by the Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP), or may be selected based on eligibility criteria.  The curriculum addresses the leading causes of recidivism: anger management, thinking errors, substance abuse, life skills and employment.  Offenders with the parole stipulation of SVORI aftercare may participate in a continuum of care through a Parole District Reentry Center (DRC).

To qualify for the program, offenders must meet the following criteria:

Must be assigned to Administrative Segregation, Security Detention Level I

Must have time earning status of Line Class 1 or above

No active felony or immigration detainers

No conviction for a major disciplinary in past 12 months

No consecutive sentences pending parole review

Must have at least 10 months before release on parole or minimum expiration date at program screening

Minimum of 24 months to maximum expiration date at the time of the BPP review

Priority placement is given to offenders with an FI-7R vote.

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CHANGE

A Prison Cognitive Treatment Program

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Prisoners in the Texas prison system are encouraged by the Board of Pardons and Paroles to provide evidence of support for their release on parole. One way to do this is through letters supporting a Prisoners's release. The information below is provided for Prisoners and family members who have questions about such letters.

SUPPORT LETTERS FOR THE PAROLE FILE

There are no rules for support letters. These are only guidelines and suggestions. You must use what fits your own special situation. Don't be afraid to ask people to write letters. Many people care and want to help. Your request for help may give them a better understanding of the correctional process.

WHAT IS A LETTER OF SUPPORT?

Letters of support are evidence that the offender will have a network of friends and family to help when he or she is released.

They show:

1. Somebody know the prisoner and cares.

2. The prisoner has free world input while in prison.

3. Someone will help when he/she gets out.

4. The good side of the prisoner and thus help balance the bad side which appears in his or her criminal record.

WHO WRITES SUPPORT LETTERS?

1. You, family members, close friends and loved ones.

2. Relatives, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

3. Respected members of the community, such as businessmen.

4. Prospective employers, school teachers, religious teachers, students, counselors, etc.

5. The Prisoner's TDCJ Supervisors or other people who have known him/her while in prison, e.g. chaplain, counselor, teacher,volunteers from the community.

If you can't find anyone who knows the prisoner, you may ask for letters from people who know you and state that your support will be of value during the offender's re-adjustment to the community.

Also, people can write offering their support for the prisoner based on their position in the community (such as a minister in your church.)

HOW MANY SUPPORT LETTERS?

At the time of the parole interview, three to ten support letters should be enough. Keep sending support letters regularly, not just at the parole interview date. This shows consistency and active support and lets the Parole Board know that you'll stick by the prisoner after release.

WHAT TO SAY?

There are several general areas of information to be included in these letters.

1. State your name, age and occupation. If you have been on the current job for a number of years, state the number of years you have been similarly employed.

2. State your relationship with the prisoner and the length you have known him or her.

3. Your belief that, despite his/her mistake, he/she is a good person and the reason you feel this way.

4. Your belief that the offender will be a useful and law abiding citizen if given the opportunity. You may describe improvements in the prisoner's attitude, behavior, or efforts he/she has made to improve himself/herself. If you will provide housing, give the address and a phone number if you have one. You can mention other kinds of help you can provide, for instance, clothing or transportation.

Other people who will write a support letters may include the same type of information. If they are willing to help the prisoner in some way, they may include that in the letter. Some people are willing to help, but don't have money or a job to offer. They can offer to spend time with the offender doing something positive and worthwhile, or they can offer advice and encouragement. This kind of help is also necessary for someone just released from prison.

NOTE: Under guidelines of a directive from the TDCJ Administration, it is possible for prison employees to write letters of recommendation for parole. This is most commonly done by supervisors in a department where a prisoner works or by ranking officials on the unit who have personal knowledge of the prisoner.

OUTLINE OF THE SUGGESTED THINGS TO COVER IN THE LETTER

Salutation:

Parole Board Member

Board of Pardons and Paroles

P.O. Box 13401

Capitol Station

Austin, Texas 78711

Prison

You may address your letters to a specific person on the Parole Board, if you wish, but it is also acceptable to address your letter Dear Parole Board Member:

FIRST PARAGRAPH

State your name, age, and occupation. If you have been on the same job for a number of years, state the number of years you have been similarly employed.

SECOND PARAGRAPH

State your relationship with him/her (e.g. friend, relative, teacher, employer, co-worker, etc.)

THIRD PARAGRAPH

Your belief that the, despite his/her mistakes, he/she is a good person; the reason you feel this way, your belief that he/she will be a useful and a law abiding citizen given the chance. Describe any improvements in the prisoner's attitude, behavior, or efforts he/she has made to improve himself/herself (education, treatment programs).

FOURTH PARAGRAPH

Your willingness to be supportive and how, e.g. if you will provide housing, give address and phone number if you have one, transportation, job offer. Other people who are willing to help, but don't have money or a job to offer, can be supportive and worthwhile by offering advice and encouragement.

Additional suggestions from a lawyer friend to go along with this information....

1. If you or someone you know has written support letters in the past, make copies and include them with the parole packet

2. Included in this packet should be any information and/or photocopies of awards or achievements your loved one may have achieved while incarcerated.

3. Write out a "game plan." What does your loved one plan to do when he or she gets out? Be specific. Tell the board what job opportunities are in the area.

4. Make a copy of the packet and send it to your loved one. Your loved one should write up a similar type of packet themselves. They can make a separate one, or include it in the one you make for them. He or she should present the packet(s) to the person who comes to interview them when parole time approaches. It makes a much better impression when they have obviously made preparations for their future, as well as having a source from the outside who cared enough to put together a presentation packet as well.

Dear XXX:

I am writing this letter of reference at the request of name of person in prison who is being reviewed for parole. Name of person in prison is a family friend of mine. I have known him/her for ## years. I understand that he/she has been found guilty of petty theft. I am also aware that he/she has been found guilty of similar charges in the past. Nevertheless, I am confident that justice would be best served by offering him/her a another chance.

During the time that I have known him/her, I have found name of person in prison to have many very positive traits. First of all, he/she is a peace-loving citizen. He/she abhors violence and cruelty. This peace-loving nature will allow him/her to avoid situations that could get him/her in trouble.

Second, name of person in prison is a very courteous person. He/she honors and respects figures of authority. He/she can be counted on to extend this same courtesy to his/her parole officer.

As a final point, name of person in prison does not have a background of privilege and advantage. He/she has managed to achieve quite a lot despite not having the support that most people enjoy. This disadvantaged background should be taken into consideration when reviewing name of person in prisons record.

In conclusion, I can recommend name of person in prison to you without reservation. You will find my trust in him/her to be well placed.

Feel free to contact me using the information provided above.

Sincerely,

Parole Board Member Date

Board of Pardons and Parole

P.O. Box 13401

Capitol Station

Austin, Texas 78711

Date

Attn: Inmates NameTDCJ #

Dear Parole Board Member,

My name is. I am the Mother of, TDCJ #. I am 62 years old. My husband and I have been married almost 48 years. We are both presently retired. We reside in Texas, County. We have lived in Texas for well over 30 years. We have lived in our present home for a period of 14 years.

This is my daughter's first time to be incarcerated. We visit our daughter as often as possible, and correspond regularly. Since incarceration, I have noticed many new, positive changes in her life. She has accepted full responsibility, and remorse, for her actions, and is at peace with herself. I feel she is doing all she can do to improve her life. Substance abuse programs, and GED, are not yet available to her, however she is attending AA meetings regularly. Is enrolled in a Bible Study class, and attends church regularly. Has even started a Bible Study class on her own. A number of the inmates come to her for spiritual help, and advice. Obeys the rules, and has had no discipline problems since her incarceration.

As parents, we have a willingness to support our daughter in the event of parole. We can offer her housing, transportation to and from work, clothing, some financial help, and our love, advise, and support. Although we are parents, and naturally love our daughter, I assure you that we take this responsibility very seriously. My husband and I are both Christian people. We attend church regularly. My husband is a Sunday school Teacher, I am a Substitute Teacher, at the Baptist Church, located at, Texas. My address is:StreetCity, State ZipPhone:

I truly believe that my daughter has changed for the better, and would be an asset to her family and the community.

Sincerely,

Your Name

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AP&F Construction Company

123 Main Street

San Antonio, Texas 78201

(210) 123-4567

Date

Dear Texas Parole Board Commissioner and Members,

Our company has been in business in San Antonio for over 45 years. We take pride in our work and that of our employees.

We have been made aware that name of person in prison is being reviewed for parole at this time, and wish you to know that we are willing to give this person a chance and offer them employment with our company upon their release.

We understand he/she has taken courses while in prison to prepare to be a productive employee, and we look forward to their joining our team.

If you have any additional questions, or would like more information about our company, feel free to contact me at the address or phone number provided above.

Thank you in advance for your consideration of this letter of support and offer of employment.

Yours truly,

Mr. Man

Owner

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PAPI:

THIS IS A SAMPLE PAROLE PACKET FOR A LADY WHOSE SON IS IN PRISON. I’M NOT SURE OF HIS DETAILS BUT I THINK HE IS IN PRISON FOR A LONG TIME. ANYWAYS, SHE MADE AN EXAMPLE OF PAROLE PACKETS THAT IS WHY YOU SEE THESE PICTURES.

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