Hi,

I am helping with the care of a child whose mother is currently in county jail awaiting transfer to Tutwiler. She is in on drug charges and is to serve an 18-month sentence and take the long SAP program (8 wks, I believe). Can anyone tell me about the SAP program? After completing it, do you have a greater chance of early parole? What can she do to get out of jail earlier, if anything? She has already been in county jail over a month now and has no idea when she will be transferred, does the time in county jail count in her 18-month sentence or does the 18-months begin once she reaches Tutwiler? I am corresponding with her through mail only and she is very nervous and is wanting as much information as she can get about Tutwiler and the SAP program, so, please share as much as you can. I've already pulled some information off of this site to share with her, but, really need more. Is it okay to print information from this site and send it to her in the county jail? Do they allow that or frown upon it?

They will count her county time towards the 18 months she is serving. I don't really know much about the SAP program other than it is a Substance Abuse Program. I have heard it is tuff but you learn alot from it. I can't remember how many months it is, someone will come along with info on the SAP program.

I completed the long SAP program at Tutwilder in Dec. it is a six month program,there is also a eight week program. The Crime Bill is what they call the 6 month program. I would suggest it to anyone that is serious about changing thier life or doing everything possible to go home. Recovery is something you have to be willing to work for but the counselors are great. The next Crime Bill should start in June or July. If her paperwork says "long" thats what she'll have to do,but the courts look highly on that program more so than the eight week program. Most of the girls that graduated with me got early parole dates, went to work release, back to court and even home.

My boyfriend is currently in the Crime Bill Program at Easterling and is doing very well - he hopes to come home in July.....*fingers crossed*

I also have known a few folks at Tutweiler...being that my mom adopted my little brother from a girl that usually spends time there...she has been in several times since he was born and my little brother is 7 now.

I would suggest the Crime Bill Program (extensive SAP) to anyone that is in prison on drug charges...my boyfriend is normally really wild and aggressive has learned so much and is a changed man due to being part of the program......it does make one think about their actions - now I am a firm believer that anyone can change....and upon being part of this program - there is change in anyone.

Good luck!

my girl is in tutwiler, I don't know about the programs that you mentioned, but she should also look into the "lovelady center" its in birmingham, they allow the children of drug addicted mothers to come their, sometimes to spend the weakend. also if the child is old enoufe they will councel the child as well as the mother. and help to reunite the family. I think it will help with recovery to have the child around, rather than feeling like youve allready lost them. It shows her that if she will work at it. She can still be a mother to the child

My daughter is in the crime bill at tutwiler she said it is very hard but she said all she can think of is getting out she has 3 beautiful children that need her very bad and a family that misses her.She has been in prison since the night all this began it was totaly out of charater for her this was the first time shes been in trouble .You know your life can change with the blink of an eye.