CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME. I NEED TO KNOW ALL ABOUT THIS SUPPORT LETTER ISSUE. I HAVE THE GUIDELINES BUT STILL HAVING A HARD TIME WITH IT. ANYONE WILLING TO HELP ME OUT? ALSO WHEN THE TIMES COMES FOR MY SON TO BE REVIEWED DOES HE NEED COPIES OF LL OF THEM TOO?DO I SEND THEM TO AUSTIN AWELL? I AM TOTALLY LOST SO SOMEONE PLEASE SHARE WITH ME IF YOU CAN HELP ME OUT. THANKSSSSSSSSS

I suggest getting him copies of them to give to the IPO at time of unit review. Oftentimes, the IPOs are working on much more limited info. They don't have all the info the Austin files have (or Boards). I sent copies of everything to Skip so he'd have it if needed.

Let me know what specific help you need with the letters. They are looking for several things:
1) Job
2) familial support
3) residence

I spoke with one board member who REALLY does not want to hear from children, and I've been told they don't need to know you "miss them and want them home." They know this already. They need to know SPECIFICALLY, what support is in place, and what measures will be taken to insure the offender is NOT a threat to society.

I will help in any way I can,
kath

Thank you. I was wondering so in the letter it is ok to state how his 6 yearold needs his guidance and etc.? He has a truck and job waiting on him when he is released. Abd wht would be key factors in the letter?

I would state he has is father to a 6yr old....nothing beyond that. I would indicate what employment he has waiting. Is he self employed...or does he work for someone? If he works for someone....letters from his employer would be VERY good.

Tell the board what measures will be put in place to move forwrd with.....and what rehabilitation is planned.

The biggest challenge...IN MY OPINION, is getting the board to open the file and read the letters. They have such a heavy caseload, and I made that my goal...to get them to open the file...and not just see us as a number. That, I think, is what got us approval. (and speaking/meeting 2 board members didn't hurt) :)

Good luck...let me know how else I might help!

kath

Hey Trulykath, how about if i email the letter i have and u direct me on it?

shoot it over....either PM me and I'll give you my e-mail or copy/paste it to PM!!!

kath

Texazfun..I included how Stephen realized what an impact his actions have on our five children and that this expereince has taught him how to be a good father etc.....good luck!

Originally posted by Trulykath

The biggest challenge...IN MY OPINION, is getting the board to open the file and read the letters.


That is actually the second biggest challenge...the biggest challenge is actually getting the letters INTO the file in the first place. Letters sent to the Board get routed back to the Parole Division, which is who maintains the file until the Institutional Parole Office finishes their work and sends it to the Board. Let's just say filing was never a high priority at Shoal Creek and I won't tell you some of the nightmares I inheirited...

As to content, absolutely make sure that the letter addresses potential risk to the community. When you cut through everything else, that is the primary issue under consideration.