General questions for someone who understands

[olefarmgirl]

So since I am really new to this and dont understand a thing I have a few questions.... for give my spelling cuz Im not very good at it...lol anyway today my son is being classified.... what does that mean? They are telling him that he needs to take some classes and he has taken them when he was in the rtf... feeling empethy... anger management.... a few years ago he got into a fight cuz this kid that didnt like him said he could kick his you know what and my son tried to just ignore him but the kid just kept on and well one thing led to another and yea here I am today.... he is in for breaking his probabtion cuz these kids were going to fight and he was telling them not to and busted..... so there fore they sent him to prison... thought he would have learned when he went to the rtf, but then he didnt fight and no one would stand up for him when he went to court.... so thats the story so anywho..... we have to write a letter to his counsler stating that he has a place to live when he gets out which is with my dad just cuz hes older and those 2 use to farm together.... so would writing to my sons counsler help matters at all??? I mean he has a job waiting for him when he gets home and a place to live... would it be good to tell his counsler this and my dad his grandpa has cancer.... hes doing... but still I dont want him to not be here if something happens... he lost his grandma in May my mom and I know that was hard on him.... he keeps telling me that he hates it in there (Newton correctional release center) and he keeps telling me I want to come home.... breaks my heart... is there anything that we can do to help him???? Sorry this was so long but I dont know where to go for answers anymore

[SimplyMe123]

Hi hon... First of all, never apologize for asking questions! That's what we're here for. We might not necessarily know the answers, but we can all certainly relate to what you're going through.

Being "classified" is where they calculate the inmates' security level. They do this initially at Oakdale, to see if they are Minimum, Medium, or Maximum Security. Then they do it again at the "permanent" prison. There they tally up their points to determine their "level." Different levels have different privileges. I don't know how the levels at Newton differ, but at Anamosa it can mean things like longer/more frequent visits, better unit assignments, more "free-time" outside their cell, and stuff like that.

As far as the classes, I don't know if they will count the ones he took at the RTF. I kind of doubt it. I would kind of plan on him having to retake those classes and be pleasantly surprised if he doesn't. A lot of times the inmates have to wait 'til close to the end of their sentence to take those classes. Sometimes they can get in sooner, which is good if they hope to parole out. This is something he could talk to his counselor about.

I don't know that writing his counselor would do much good, but it certainly couldn't hurt. The things you're speaking of are normally things you would tell the parole board. But you know, some counselors really do care about their clients and can do things like get them into classes sooner and initiating a parole review. So, why not... Give it a shot.

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I hope you're dealing with it ok. You sound like a very caring and supportive mom, and your son is lucky to have you. Be sure to write him often and visit or send money when you can.

How long is your son's sentence? This whole prison thing is a hard situation for everyone involved, but I have to say over time it gets better. You and he will both learn how to deal with it and make the situation as good as possible. Hang in there.

[olefarmgirl]

Thanks for the info he was suppose to be in there for 5 years but his tdd is may 13 of next year, so does that mean that is will he will get out or could he get out sooner?? I think Im going to have his boss write him and I will write hs counsler just kinda telling him the situation back home with my dad his gpa.... my son tells me that his counsler dont care and my son has been real negitive lately I hate it that hes there but he goofed.... I hope his classifing went good yesterday.... he called me and of course he was crabby.... I can understand that but it would be nice if coulf bre decent to me. And thank you for your help I need liitle tips like this from friends

[Babyslittlemama]

Originally Posted by olefarmgirl

Thanks for the info he was suppose to be in there for 5 years but his tdd is may 13 of next year, so does that mean that is will he will get out or could he get out sooner?? I think Im going to have his boss write him and I will write hs counsler just kinda telling him the situation back home with my dad his gpa.... my son tells me that his counsler dont care and my son has been real negitive lately I hate it that hes there but he goofed.... I hope his classifing went good yesterday.... he called me and of course he was crabby.... I can understand that but it would be nice if coulf bre decent to me. And thank you for your help I need liitle tips like this from friends

I'm sorry that you are at the end of his crabbiness. The system is full of negativity all day long, guys complaining, counselors being short, CO's being distant. Coming back to your room and having your bed torn apart or belongings gone through (called shake down). Being hungry. Being cold. It is hard for guys to turn it on and off for a 20 minute phone call and act cheerful, they ae what they are for the day. Doesn't make it right that you get that treatment, just more understandable. Sometimes the best thing you can do is just let him vent but make sure you don't let him put you down. Some counselors do care but they get bombarded with constant requests and negativitiy so they get numb too. And the minimums are more boring than the mediums sometimes. Just take care of your emotional health and be there to listen.