I work as a therapist with clients who are involved in the Criminal Justice system. Specifically I work with people who are on parole, helping them to get treatment and resources they need to avoid recidivism and integrate into the community. I’ve met some amazing people in the time I have been doing this work, and I’ve seen firsthand some of the myths and some of the truths about the system and the people who are in it. i can only speak from my own experiences, which are limited to the parole system in the state in which I live, and by extension some things about the prisons and jails, the laws and the sentencing practices, for example. But mostly, it’s about the people.
My state is unusual in that all inmates are automatically placed on parole, whether they complete their sentence or are released early. The parole length is a part of the sentence so all inmates are supervised on parole after their release from prison.
Some of my clients don’t like this policy; I’ve been told that its “unconstitutional”, and that similar laws in other states have been ruled to be unconstitutional. I haven’t looked that up to verify it, because here, in this place, that’s the way the system is, and here is where I am. For the most part, I believe that it’s a system that has a good purpose, although sometimes it serves that purpose better than other times.
By having parole for every single inmate, there is an option to provide support and help to every single inmate and that should be a good thing. I think it often is a good thing, even for those of my clients who hate it the most. Perhaps mostly for the clients who hate it the most. But at times it also places a burden on someone who has paid their debt, has served the time given, and who just wants to live their life. Some people need the help. Some thrive on the structure. Some find it a cushion that allows them to start a new life. Some feel they are slowly suffocating under the restrictions and supervision.
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Kate's Ramblings. 