I just want to ask you for infromation:

one of my pen pals is in prison for first degree murder. (I have not seen his paperwork, but what he told me is he has been helping a "friend" to throw a dead body into a river)
he is in prison now 26 years.... and he has passed 2 parole hearings.
he did follow a program the last 2 years, with of course hope he will get out on this way.
he has a very basic intelligence, is barely able to write!
the last parole hearing has been giving him hope and.... he got denied, on top with the remark there is no use for a hearing in 2 years, as the situation may not change much and the society is not able to give him any kind of support he would need. (what is unfortunate right)

what I need to collect are ideas and ways to just work with him on a possible way out.

what I do not need are warnings, "not to believe his words". I WILL check his paperwork BEFORE i will do anything. I will also check on his behavior in prison.... but there is not use to start this work when I dont have a goal to walk to.

I need on one side to know if the decision of the parole board can be "changed", if yes how. (please in easy words so I understand, as I am not to close to law expressions, thanks)

I also need to get to know projects for prisoners "in his situation". alternative projects, they would give him a chance.

he is 53, and there is no way he will be able to adapt easy in this so changed world. what he would need is a place to work and live and stay.... where he has TIME to get used to the life outside. it is not possible to send him out without that right place, where is no kind of half a year time limit to be ready for society.
I also see him away from a city....

he is incarcerated in Kansas.....

thanks a lot for all help! shush

Shush, it is very hard to change the board members' opinion. He would need to have gained an understanding of the consequences of his crime for others (victim and victim's family, his family, society) and feel (and show) remorse. Then he needs a good support-net on the outside, a good parole plan and a place to stay - and maybe even a job-offer. It is very, very difficult.

About your 2nd question: the only place I would know that could maybe be right for him is Delancey Street Foundation [delanceystreetfoundation.org].
They ask for a minimum-commitment of two to four years and train people in various workfields. They are not in Kansas, but my idea was that maybe you could write to Mimi Silbert (founder of DSF - see website) and ask her for advice?

Shush, now that I read your other post about him, I think that Delancey Street would also be too big and challenging for him, but I still think you should try to contact Mimi Silbert with your question. And I will keep him in my mind and contact you if I have any helpful ideas....

thanks united,
all what you say I know..... and there need to be a plan.... right. we seem to have 5 years of time now... and many depends on him as well.
there are limitations and i will have to face him with this. he has the choice.
thanks for the note.... I will check on that. talk to you soon....

Parole board decisions can be appealed. It doesn't have to be a complex or difficult process. He or someone on his behalf can write the board after they have made their decision and ask that the decision be reconsidered and state the grounds and supporting reasons for why they should reconsider. It's not likely they will change their minds. (I never had much luck with the board, and was passed everytime till I hit my conditional release date).
A good way of finding work, depending upon where he paroles to, is through temp agencies. Usually it's assembly line work, or light industrial and unskilled labor. But it is work and will satisfy the parole requirement of finding work within 45 days after parole.

What type of programs is he taking now to be employable when he hits the streets?