Hi. My friend is on the waiting list to get into RSVP. Does anyone know anything about this program, how long the wait is, how long the program is.....? Any information would be great. I looked in the ADC handbook but it didn't really say much about it. Thanks.

Hi,
I am afraid I don't have good news for you on the RSVP. It's initials stand for Reduction of Sexual Victimization Program. It is required for anyone who has been convicted as a "SO". It is supposed to be a voluntary program, but it's not. They must fill out and make application for the program. They will be notified if they are accepted or not. The program is 1 to 2 years long, they only take 120 inmates a year. The last I heard the wait time was 1-2 years. According to my husband, the waiting list has approximately 1600 inmates on it. If you are required to take the RSVP you will not be paroled until you do, and if you are denied.....you will do your flat time. I'm not sure they will let you out even if you've done your flat time if you haven't done the RSVP.
My husband was denied RSVP due to the fact that the application for the program requires you to give an account of your crime and all the gory details, my husband was unable to do so, as he is bipolar and was in a severe psycotic manic state when he committed his crime. He can not remember any of the events. He only remembers what he has read in the reports and what he was told by his attorney. He recieved a letter after applying for RSVP, and told since he has no memory of the events of his crime, they can not help him. The program is run by the ADC and we have not been able to find out any information on who, what or how this program was set up or who runs it, or who you can appeal their decision to. My husband has written numerous letters to the woman who runs the program, only to be ignored.

blueeyed, I have a very similar situation here. My husband FINALLY got into the program.

ONE CORRECTION, the program itself is ONE year long (give or take a couple of weeks as they have breaks). It's broken down into four phases, and you can be made to repeat a phase.

There is a long waiting list, but people with soonest PE/TE dates are admitted first IF THEY ARE ACCEPTED INTO THE PROGRAM. You have to really kiss up to get into the program. Even if the parole board says "you've made parole but you have to take the class", and even if your PE/TE date is passed, the program administrator can deny you into the class.

In my humble opinion, if the board stipulates it, the administrators should be made to admit you. why DENY someone counseling? Some inmates get kicked out of the program once they're in there, for not obeying the rules, that's understandable, but they should all be given the chance to attend (1) to get counseling (2) because the board says that's the only way they can make parole.

If the parole board won't help your loved one get into the program, call your state representative, and DONT GIVE UP.

Feel free to PM me.

Can anyone clarify the rumour that Guen Wright is stepping down?

How long did your husband have to wait before getting in? His parole date is in 16 months.

My husband applied in november 2003, was initially accepted. In March 2004 he was told he made parole, with a PE/TE date of 7/28/04, but had to take the program. The same week received a notice that he was declined acceptance into RSVP. We had to fight to get him in, and he was finally accepted in September and started the program in Octover. Obviously his pe/te date is passed, so as soon as he completes the program, he can come home.

Guen Wright announced that she IS leaving. If you've ever had to deal with her, you'll realize this is good news!

who is Guen Wright?
thanks

She's over the RSVP program. She reports to Max Mobley. All the therapists report to her and she sets the admittance guidelines and curriculum.

Supposedly, RSVP will be moving from Tucker to Malvern in spring of 2006. Inmate rumor says this spring, but administrators say 2006.

I haven't been on here in quite a while. Latest news I have heard on RSVP.
Guen Wright has left as director. A Dr. Simon replaced her, he put my husband through a day of hell. Questioning him, accusing him, making him stand against a cement wall for hours, (He has a bad back)telling him things he has no memory of and did not know if they were true or not. He was a mess for days afterwards. It was horrible for him. Poor guy, its' bad enough he can't remember what he did and lives with the guilt of it everyday.
Will told me recently that RSVP has been shut down. Apparently according the the mill on the inside, they have run out of money and have stopped the program. Anyone out there here the same or otherwise. Let me know.
Blueeyedlady

the RSVP program is still going strong. The only change i've seen since Guen Wright left is less men are getting kicked out of the program once they start, it's giving some men license to "act out" but other than that it seems about the same. My husband is in the program now, and he hasn't heard anything about cancellation or even phases being shortened. Let me know if you find out anything! thanks

My hubby has applied for RSVP. He has finished the application part of it and is now waiting to be admitted! The lady I talked to there said that if you are parole board stipulated or court stipulated (ordered) to take the program, you get bumped up on the list. they take the parole board stipulated & court stipulated inmates into the program first! He got put on a list and she said that as long as some more inmates didnt come in with a PE date before his, he woud go in the rotation that is coming in March. (A group graduates every 90 days from the program). If he didnt get in the program in March, he would be in the rotation for June. I called back and she said that someone was loking over his application for admittance and they would let him know something about whether he was in for March or not! He hasnt heard anything yet!

Yes, if you're stipulated, you're at the top of the list, BUT they (RSVP) can still deny the application. So pray you're accepted. If you are not, call the parole board immediately!!!

This phase ends 03/18 and there's a week break before the next phase starts, so your hubby will be taking classes then. Honestly this therapy has been very good for my husband. He's not a predator or anything, he did something stupid, but the classes teach all kinds of coping skills - how to control your actions. It's REALLY done him a LOT of good. At first, we were upset that he had to go, because it added a year to his time, but it's really been a good thing!!

Will your husband be release upon completion of RSVP or does he have to go back before the board after he completes it?

BEST of luck!! and keep us posted!

The lady I talked to there said that if you are parole board stipulated or court stipulated (ordered) to take the program, you get bumped up on the list. they take the parole board stipulated & court stipulated inmates into the program first!

My hubby is being moved to Tucker Friday!:thumbsup: I dont know if he'll get into the program immediately or what but the sooner the better I think! the sooner he gets that done, ,the sooner we can see what else we can do to get him home!! Hes nervous about the program but we're just ready for him to get it done!! He was sentenced to 10 years, and the way I understand, he has to serve the whole time but once he finishes the program, I am going to do whatever I can to get him home! Just pray for us!

Michelle, he'll start the program immediately! My hubby just started phase 3. Phase 1 is easy, Phase 2 is hard. I'm not sure about 3 yet.

GOOD LUCK

She's over the RSVP program. She reports to Max Mobley. All the therapists report to her and she sets the admittance guidelines and curriculum.i have son in the Quachita Unit at Malvern, Ar. they hae almost finished a second class for RSVP classes.

I've got a friend now that just went to ADC whom is having to wait on RSVP before he can be released. It is going to be a stipulation for his parole so I hope he can get into the program sooner rather than later. He has enrolled in some other programs to help with the time, but that's the biggest one. I'm hoping with having more classes going that they are moving through the waiting list faster these days. I've heard rumors of the 1 year being more like 9.5 months - is that true? Any information you can give me would be great. Thanks for all the support and making a place for all of us to get everything off our chest and for having a great knowledge base. :)

I am just thinking about this and was wondering if someone refuses to take these classes what happens when their sentence is up. Do they get released or ?????

If it is stipulated in their sentencing that they have to complete this program. They will not be released until they do rather or not they are up for release or parole.

To my understanding, if an inmates does not take a program he/she is still released on the date they go flat.

Peaches - I'm almost positive that if it is stipulated that an inmate has to take a program, they are not going to be released until they do take the program, especially if it is judge's orders.

i have a brother-in- law who had to take the program it took it and went up for parole yesterday does anyone know how i can find out what happened he is in tucker as far as i know.

You can call this number 501.682.3850 but it usually take two weeks before there will be any sort of decision made. Hope that helps and good luck :)

Can anyone tell me who is over the RSVP program now? I am also looking for an address for someone over the RSVP to give to my guy inside. Thanks as always for all your help!

When does the next RSVP class start?