My Husband Is Currently In Great Meadows, And He Told That Asat And Art Are No Longer Being Offered At Great Meadows!! Me Thinking That He Had To Be Losing His Mind, Called And Spoke To The Senior Counselor Who Said The The Couselors For Those Programs Have Been Promoted,and They Are Trying To Find Replacements. Well, I Guess They Are Not Having Any Good Luck! My Husband Needs These Programs, Because He Has Recommended Good Time Loss, Nd Goes To The Cr Board This Year. The Counselor Told Me That He Cannot Be Penalized For Not Taking The Programs, If They Are Not Availible! Just Thought I Would Let You Guys Know, Telll Me What You Think!

Hi Kami,

My thought is that since he has to complete his required programs before release I don't think that the board is going to take be sympathetic and take into consideration the reason why he was unable to complete the programs before his board. :(

That's just my opinion and others here may have different opinions, but after many many years of experience with dealing with DOCS I have a general and rightfully so distrust of the entire department. My experience has been that the right hand never knows what the left hand is doing and when it comes down to it... they are like oh well.

I don't know who you could call in Albany, but I'd suggest you start asking some "general" questions (you know not specific to your husband). Like calling someone in Albany and asking a hypothetical question similar to what you posted here and see what they say.

I'll see if I can come up with a name and if I find something I'll forward it on to you.

Good luck!

your questions in writing and send a letter to the Senior Counsellor and request a written response. And kind of ask what you want her/him to answer--for example--"I want to make certain that I understood this correctly. Both of the ART and ASAT counsellors have been promoted and you are currently looking to hire replacements. But, unitl the replacements are hired, neither the ART or ASAT program will be offered. Is that correct? " Don't make it sound like you are trying to be a harda$$ -just (harda@-just) like you are a little confused and trying to make sure you understand(I use that tactic in my business all the time). At least he would have that to show to the Board when he goes.

i talked to the senior, and he is the one who told me that the board could not penalize my husband , for not taking the program if the program is not offered! i also spoke to albany, to the director and he told me the same thing! he said that they are working on replacements, but were not sure if they would have the replacements by the time my husband goes to the board for to cr! he said that mu husband has been on the waiting list, and they know that, and can not hold him accountable for something that is out of his control, and at fault by nys docs, and that were there exact words! so i just hope and pray they telling me the truth!

trust me

I agree with MommaAnn. get it in writing. They can say one thing and then do another. That really sucks. I sure hope thay don't penalize him for that. That is the problem with some of these facilities. They don't have enogh people to run the programs, and our men have to suffer.

Yes they can say they will not penalize him on his Cr date. and then turn around and say he has to take these courses so they can't release him until they are completed.In their eyes that is not penalizing him, they are just saying he has to take the course a catch 22 which they are good at

thanks, and first thing monday morning i am gonna write a letter, whcih hopefully they will respond to in writting. i want to thank everyone for theie input.

I wonder if they would transfer him to another facility that does offer the programs he needs? I know my friend's mom was transferred from a camp to a medium because the camp didn't have CASAT and the medium does.

I agree with BabyCuz -- alot of movement goes on automatically-like so don't be surprised if he automatically gets moved to a facility that does have those programs. Try calling Classification and Movement in Albany at 518-457-6022 and ask them your questions. And, while you're at it, if you didn't send the letter off yet, let them know that you want to send a letter to the right person -- ask the person who should you send it to.

I hear you for pushing the panic button but I say relax Honey because they know where our men are at all times, and, they know what they need. Of course I'm not fond of the DOC but I do believe they will line him where he needs to be so that when it's time for him to go -- HE'S READY!! :o

i wondered the same thing as babycuz. could he put in for a transfer based upon the recent developments there.