Parole Planning, A MUST for the Incarcerated!!

[Jillian]

The Strengths, needs, If you do each post as its own page when you print it, your loved one can work on this and put each page away as a need/strength is completed. You may find it easier to copy and paste this into your own word processing format on your computer and print it to suit the needs of your loved one.

If you don't understand something please feel free to contact us and we will help you as much as we can.

thanks Mrsdragoness for sharing this with us!

[Jillian]

PAROLE PLANNING

Instructions:

1. Do an honest and thorough evaluation of your strengths and needs at the time you entered prison.

2. Check whether it was an existing strength or something you needed. Use the “other” rows for success factors that are not listed here.

3. For each success factor you need(ed) to develop, outline an action plan to achieve it. NOTE: If you have been in the system for a while, you may already have achieved a number of success factors. Check each anyway and explain what you did to achieve it.

4. When listing progress, include the name of a program, a book read, a seminar attended, a class completed, personal observation, etc. Be specific and include pertinent dates. Suggestion – complete a short report after a class, seminar, program and book read and relate how they helped you.

5. In the case of important document, don’t assume someone is holding them for you. CONFIRM IT!
Edit/Delete Message

[Jillian]

Page 1

SUCCESS FACTOR – BIRTH CERTIFICATE

_____ STRENGTH or _____ NEED

LIST OF ACTION ITEMS TO ADDRESS NEEDS

1. Complete Forum DCH-0569 – BX “Application for a certified copy of Rhode Island Birth Record.” (If you were born in another state, you will have to contact that state).
2. Submit forum with check or money order to address on form.
3. ______________________________________________
4. ______________________________________________
5. ______________________________________________

STATUS OR PROGRESS





SUCCESS FACTOR: SOCIAL SECURITY CARD

_____ STRENGTH or _____ NEED

LIST OF ACTION ITEMS TO ADDRESS NEEDS

1. Complete form SS-5, “Application for a Social Security Card
2. Submit form with acceptable ID (see instructions).
3. ______________________________________________
4. ______________________________________________

STATUS OR PROGRESS

[Jillian]

SUCCESS FACTOR: STATE ID CARD

_____ STRENGTH or _____ NEED

LIST OF ACTION ITEMS TO ADDRESS NEEDS

1. Secure certified birth certificate (raised seal).
2. Secure 2 of the following:

a. Marriage license with raised seal.
b. Divorce decree with raised seal.
c. Children’s birth certificate.
d. Military DD214 form
e. GED or school transcripts

3. ___________________________________
4. ___________________________________
5. ___________________________________

STATUS OR PROGRESS:




SUCCESS FACTOR: RI DRIVERS LICENSE

_____ STRENGTH or _____ NEED


LIST OF ACTION ITEMS TO ADDRESS NEEDS

1. Learn to drive (consider taking a class)
2. Study for written test
3. ___________________________________
4. ___________________________________

STATUS OR PROGRESS:




SUCCESS FACTOR: US CITIZENSHIP ESTABLISHED

_____ STRENGTH or _____ NEED

LIST OF ACTION ITEMS TO ADDRESS NEEDS:

1. If you are a naturalized citizen, confirm that your citizenship papers are available.
2. If you are not a citizen, do your best to clarify your situation.
Deportation issues are based upon:
. Specific crime.
. Whether the country of origin still exists.
. Whether the country of origin will accept deportees
If you are not deported, you may be placed on immigration parole.

STATUS OR PROGRESS:

[Jillian]

SUCCESS FACTOR: English Skills

_____ STRENGTH or _____ NEED

LIST OF ACTION ITEMS TO ADDRESS NEEDS:

1. Take English as a Second Language Course if available in prison.
2. Join organizations where you have an opportunity to use the language.
3. Ask the librarian for books or tapes. Purchase tapes if possible.
4. Interact with others as much as possible.
5. Correspond with others in English.
6. ______________________________________
7. ______________________________________
8. ______________________________________

STATUS OR PROGRESS

[Jillian]

SUCCESS FACTOR: High School Diploma or GED

_____ STRENGTH or _____ NEED

LIST OF ACTION ITEMS TO ADDRESS NEEDS:

1. Take advantage of Adult Basic Education (ABE) or GED courses.
2. _____________________________________
3. _____________________________________


STATUS OR PROGRESS:

[Jillian]

SUCCESS FACTOR: Reading and Math Skills

_____ STRENGTH or _____ NEED

LIST OF ACTION ITEMS TO ADDRESS NEEDS:

1. If it is interfering with gaining a GED, ask for a tutor.
2. Ask the librarian or school principal for additional materials.
3. Purchase books in basic math or reading from a vendor.
4. Play games that require math or language skills (e.g., cribbage or scrabble).
5. ______________________________________
6. ______________________________________

STATUS OR PROGRESS:

[Jillian]

SUCCESS FACTOR: COMPUTER LITERACY

_____ STRENGTH or _____ NEED

LIST OF ACTION ITEMS TO ADDRESS NEEDS:

1. Take Computer classes if available. NOTE: There may be parole stipulations that limit computer use.
2. Learn to use the keyboard.
3. __________________________________
4. __________________________________

STATUS OR PROGRESS:

[Jillian]

SUCCESS FACTOR: Vocational and Occupational Skills

_____ STRENGTH or _____ NEED

LIST OF ACTION ITEMS TO ADDRESS NEEDS:

1. Take advantage of any vocational programming that is consistent with your aptitude (its important to complete any programming you begin).
2. ____________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________
4. ____________________________________________
5. ____________________________________________

STATUS OR PROGRESS

[Jillian]

SUCCESS FACTOR: Employability Skills

_____ STRENGTH or _____ NEED

LIST OF ACTION ITEMS TO ADDRESS NEEDS:

1. Work hard at every job opportunity (every job offers helpful skills).
2. Be willing to change jobs when you have mentioned the current one (in order to learn new skills).
3. Consult with the principal or librarian for books on job skills.
4. Talk with friends and family in the free world about their job experiences.
5. ________________________________________________
6. ________________________________________________
7. ________________________________________________
8. ________________________________________________

STATUS OR PROGRESS

[Jillian]

SUCCESS FACTOR: Work Ethic

_____ STRENGTH or _____ NEED

LIST OF ACTION ITEMS TO ADDRESS NEEDS:

1. Work hard at any job assigned.
2. Ask for more work if you complete assigned tasks.
3. Be on time.
4. Strive for 39 points on work reports.
5. Request a more challenging job after a year on an assignment and 6 months of receiving work reports with 39 points.
6. Do not refuse any work assignment.
7. ______________________________________________
8. ______________________________________________
9. ______________________________________________
10. ______________________________________________

STATUS OR PROGRESS

[Jillian]

SUCCESS FACTOR: Work History

_____ STRENGTH or _____ NEED

LIST OF ACTION ITEMS TO ADDRESS NEEDS:

1. Establish a work history using employability skills and work ethic.
2. Volunteer for positions in prisoner organizations and nonprofit activities.
3. ________________________________________________
4. ________________________________________________
5. ________________________________________________

STATUS OR PROGRESS

[Jillian]

SUCCESS FACTOR: Motivation

_____ STRENGTH or _____ NEED

LIST OF ACTION ITEMS TO ADDRESS NEEDS:

1. Pattern weekdays as workdays. Remain awake and active for at least 9 hours straight.
2. Keep your mind active. Read, journal, write letters, exercise, engage in hobby crafts.
3. Respect yourself. Dress, groom, and work as though you were in the real world.
4. Be respectful to others.
5. Always strive to improve. Challenge yourself to learn new subjects or enhance your skills.
6. Take every opportunity to make good decisions affecting your future.
7. ________________________________________________
8. ________________________________________________
9. ________________________________________________

STATUS OR PROGRESS

[Jillian]

SUCCESS FACTOR: Stable Housing

_____ STRENGTH or _____ NEED

LIST OF ACTION ITEMS TO ADDRESS NEEDS:

1. Understand the possible restrictions:

a. Parole Stipulations.
b. Financial constraints.
c. Transportation constraints
d. Family dynamics.
e. Health, mental health and disability implications.

2. Consider pros and cons of living with family.
3. Contact housing resources or shelters in area of parole.
4. Research available boarding houses.
5. Consider inpatient treatment if appropriate.
6. Explore RIDOC residential opportunities.
7. ________________________________________________
8. ________________________________________________
9. ________________________________________________

STATUS OR PROGRESS:

[Jillian]

SUCCESS FACTOR: Transportation

_____ STRENGTH or _____ NEED

LIST OF ACTION ITEMS TO ADDRESS NEEDS:

1. Understand limitations
a. Parole stipulations
b. Finances
2. If driving is not an option, plan to be self-sufficient.
a. Consider a placement where public transportation is available.
b. Learn schedules and routes.
c. Learn time management.

STATUS OR PROGRESS

[Jillian]

SUCCESS FACTOR: APPROPRIATE CLOTHING

_____ STRENGTH or _____ NEED

LIST OF ACTION ITEMS TO ADDRESS NEEDS:

1. Be aware of the availability of resale shops in most communities.
2. Plan to purchase wisely.

a. One pair of basic, solid color slacks or skirt.
b. Two matching shirts or blouses
c. A pair of comfortable shoes
d. Appropriate underwear.

3. Its important to save your money, be conservative.

STATUS OR PROGRESS:

[Jillian]

SUCCESS FACTOR: BUDGETING SKILLS

_____ STRENGTH or _____ NEED

LIST OF ACTION ITEMS TO ADDRESS NEEDS:

1. Save as much money as possible. Set a goal of $1500.00. Consider buying US Savings Bonds.
2. Do not plan to borrow money from other individuals.
3. Plan ahead. Determine the cost of:

a. Housing
b. Public Transportation
c. Food
d. Clothing
e. Therapy

2. Plan to visit FIA and the Social Security Office if you suspect you are eligible for assistance. You are not eligible by virtue of just having been in prison.
3. _________________________________________________
4. _________________________________________________
5. _________________________________________________

STATUS OR PROGRESS:

[Jillian]

SUCCESS FACTOR: FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

_____ STRENGTH or _____ NEED

LIST OF ACTION ITEMS TO ADDRESS NEEDS:

1. Assess whether you are eligible for any financial assistance:

a. FIA/Food stamps
b. Social Security
c. Pension/Retirement
d. Rhode Island Rehab Services
e. Medicaid
f. Veteran Benefits

2. Identify any financial obligations

a. Child Support
b. Restitution
c. Debt
d. Fines and Court Costs
e. Parole Fees
f. Therapy/Group Fees

STATUS OR PROGRESS

[Jillian]

SUCCESS FACTOR: CHILD CARE/CHILD SUPPORT

_____ STRENGTH or _____ NEED

LIST OF ACTION ITEMS TO ADDRESS NEEDS:

1. Take advantage of any parenting classes or special programming as available.
2. Read “How Can I Pay Child Support If I’m Locked Up.” See the librarian
3. Continue contact with children and care givers through letters, phone calls and visits if possible. Consider the needs of your children before your own needs.
4. Be observant of the intellectual, emotional and physical development of your children to assess whether they are in a safe environment. Learn about systems to protect children if necessary. (Consult librarian).
5. During visits, read, discuss school, play games and engage children in age appropriate activities.
6. If possible, send small amounts of money to the caregiver for child support.
7. ________________________________________________
8. ________________________________________________
9. ________________________________________________

STATUS OR PROGRESS:

[Jillian]

SUCCESS FACTOR: PERSONAL FAMILY HISTORY

_____ STRENGTH or _____ NEED

LIST OF ACTION ITEMS TO ADDRESS NEEDS:

1. If your family has a history of substance abuse, violence, abandonment, manipulation, etc. decide if you want to maintain close ties. Sometimes its healthy to sever ties.
2. If you wish to maintain ties, begin working to understand and work with the family dynamics.

a. Obtain books from library on codependency, encourage family members to read the same books and discuss them.
b. Begin applying healthy boundaries while on visits or during phone calls.
c. Help others to understand their family dynamics.
d. Encourage family members to share more of their daily lives and challenges.
e. Establish healthy expectations prior to your release. Be practical and realistic and understand your limitations and theirs.

3. ________________________________________________
4. ________________________________________________
5. ________________________________________________

STATUS OR PROGRESS:

[Jillian]

SUCCESS FACTOR: FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

_____ STRENGTH or _____ NEED

LIST OF ACTION ITEMS TO ADDRESS NEEDS:

1. If your family is healthy and supportive, work hard to maintain those ties.

a. Correspond regularly.
b. Keep visits positive.
c. Thank them for their support.

2. If ties have been severed and you wish to reunite, work at it.

a. Write to express your desire.
b. Ask for their input.
c. Be respectful and patient.
d. Don’t insist if there is simply no interest on their part.

3. ________________________________________________
4. ________________________________________________
5. ________________________________________________

STATUS OR PROGRESS:

[Jillian]

SUCCESS FACTOR: SOCIAL SKILLS

_____ STRENGTH or _____ NEED

LIST OF ACTION ITEMS TO ADDRESS NEEDS:

1. If you are eligible for Special Education, enroll.
2. You may be eligible for the Social Skills Development Unit (consult your counselor) if you consistently:

a. Use poor grooming habits.
b. Dominate conversations.
c. Fail to respect the privacy of others
d. Fail to follow prison rules
e. Are loud

3. Pattern your behavior after prisoners who avoid tickets and who engage in constructive programming
4. Read the policy directives and library books for guidance on acceptable behavior.
5. Get involved in available programming.
6. __________________________________________________

7. __________________________________________________

8. __________________________________________________


STATUS OR PROGRESS:

[Jillian]

SUCCESS FACTOR: SELF-CONTROL

_____ STRENGTH or _____ NEED

LIST OF ACTION ITEMS TO ADDRESS NEEDS:

1. Read literature on impulse control and rage control.
2. Take advantage of cognitive restructuring programming if available
3. Associate with and observe others who avoid confrontation and who remain calm in difficult situations.
4. Avoid those who tend to frustrate you.
5. __________________________________________________
6. __________________________________________________
7. __________________________________________________

STATUS OR PROGRESS:

[Jillian]

SUCCESS FACTOR: SELF-ESTEEM

_____ STRENGTH or _____ NEED

LIST OF ACTION ITEMS TO ADDRESS NEEDS:

1. Engage in as much positive programming as possible, cognitive restructuring, support groups, therapy, NLA, HASTA, etc.
2. Choose friends and associates wisely. Do not associate with those who cause or attract problems.
3. Avoid individuals who are angry or difficult.
4. Work hard at any job and try to be as helpful as possible.
5. Get as much education as possible. The fact that you were not successful before does not mean you cannot succeed now!
6. __________________________________________________
7. __________________________________________________



STATUS OR PROGRESS:

[Jillian]

SUCCESS FACTOR: SPIRITUAL FOUNDATIONS

_____ STRENGTH or _____ NEED

LIST OF ACTION ITEMS TO ADDRESS NEEDS:

1. Participate in worship services if they are meaningful to you.
2. If you are part of a religious community in prison, attempt to establish ties in the outside world through correspondence and possibly visits.
3. If community worship does not work for you, seek literature that may help organize your beliefs and incorporate them into your daily life.
4. _________________________________________________
5. _________________________________________________


STATUS OR PROGRESS: