I haven't posted here much, but I've gotten a lot of info that I've needed about my brother's incarceration. This is a great resource!

He just called tonite and his release date is March 24th. Less than a month.

He wants me to send dress outs and gave me the address. I've searched and it looks like one full set of clothes is what he can get. If there is anything that I shouldn't send; I'd appreciate it if someone would let me know.

I'm not going to be able to make it to see him released. He says CDC will bus him to Stockton and then make him buy a bus ticket and watch him get on to Chico, where he's from.

I'm a bit worried about him on the outs. He's got some mental health issues that finally got some treatment and meds while he's been in. I hope he keeps it up outside. He doesn't work and will be on disability again. He's got noone around to help him nearby and the only people he really knows in Chico are the wrong ones to hang out with.

I'm about 600 miles away and might get a chance to see him a few weeks after he's out. If it works out, I'll get to spend some time with him and try to help in whatever little ways I can in getting him set up.

I'm happy he's getting out, hopefully his next chapter goes OK.

Oh that is great news, just think he is going to be getting out on my birthday:) I hope that means something good is in his future. I don't know much about dressouts because I haven't had the pleasure in about 14 years now:(. Love Barb

Congrats :)

Wow!! How exciting for him!!! Does he have someone to stay in Chino? I hope that he does well when he comes home!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations!:)

rumpled - congratulations on your brother's release. if he's been in the eop program, he should be able to still go to groups on the outside. he should continue his meds for sure. i know my honey already has everything set up and he won't be released until may 2007. Because he is in the eop program, his rent will be paid, clothes, food, medical, and given about $975 a month. in addition, his parole officer comes to him! :yay: i've been afraid to really discuss any of this at length because there's still over a year to go. he's done very well the past 10 years. clean and sober - even quit smoking! he adores his groups and has learned a lot from them.

i hope all goes well for your brother.

take care.

Is EOP like the EOP trade school stuff on the outside? If so, then my bro isn't in that.
As far as a place to stay, he's got a bus he used to live on some friend's property. He might have to find a new place to keep it and probably needs to get it working, his license all that.

I talked to him again yesterday, and says he doesn't know what his parole/probation conditions are yet. Seems like they would know with 20 days to go; maybe not it is CDC.

His release date is my half-birthday, for whatever that's worth as far as a coincidence.

I'm worried about him on the outside; hopefully he finds a better path than his last one.

Hopefully I'll be able to see him soon after his release and give him a hand.

EOP = enhanced outpatient program. all that i know about it is that it consists of group counseling for various issues. mine goes to a 12 step group, family issues, anger management, medication management and some others i can't recall. i don't think trade school is part of it, but he's entitled to schooling on the outside upon his release because of his participation in that program.

His date is getting closer! Just try to keep in contact with him and pray he stays out of trouble.

As for parole clothes, don't get too fancy. Send him in a decent pair of shoes, any color, a complete change of clothes and a coat, this time of year. Don't send anything else, no keys, cigarette lighter, chapstick. Anything else you want to send, you can send priority mail when you are sure he's out. If something happens to change his date, they won't hold his stuff past 30 days. He will have to donate it or send it home, if he has money on his books, so don't go overboard with nice stuff, just in case.