This is Parole and Probation Services Week, an annual show of appreciation for the work of parole agents and probation officers.
Here’s a short roundup of just some of the important rehabilitative work done by CDCR’s Division of Adult Parole Operations.
Parolee puts in effort to turn life around
Parole Agent Kristy Caviness reported one of her clients has been putting in the work with positive results.
Agent Caviness has been supervising parolee Richard Rack for nine months. Residing at the Los Angeles Mission, in a neighborhood surrounded by distractions, Rack put in the effort toward rehabilitation.
“Motivational interviewing, conflict resolution and communication with community based resources has yielded a positive impact on Parolee Rack,” Agent Caviness said. “Rack said these encouraging interactions have made him feel a part of society and empowered as a citizen.”
Rack has successfully completed the Fresh Start program at the Los Angeles Mission and has graduated to the Life Start phase. He also landed a job offer.
“He is also currently enrolled in The Urban Ministry Institute of Los Angeles where he is working toward becoming an Urban Leader for the work of ministry and has completed 12 of the required 16 modules,” he said.
Rack has amassed a collection of certificates to address his life coping skills and criminogenic needs. He’s remained violation free and has made significant progress toward positive reintegration into the community, according to Agent Caviness.
Transient parolees get help for ankle monitors
When shelter-in-place orders went into effect throughout the state, some of the state’s transient sex offenders found themselves without open businesses to charge their global positioning satellite (GPS) ankle monitors.
Also, many transients were vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus and did not have somewhere to shelter in place. With the collaboration of the Geo-Day Reporting Centers in Orange County (DRC), CDCR’s Department of Rehabilitative Programs (DRP), Chances Counseling Centers, and the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO), housing was found for these vulnerable transients.
By securing housing, DAPO agents were able to provide them shelter during this pandemic as well as additional resources to further their success.
Agent helps parolees with job training
Agent Derick Kennon started collaborating with Career Expansion Network to provide parolees with schooling and job opportunities in the construction field.
The network will provide the education and all necessary certifications for the enrolled parolees to secure a career in construction. Upon their successful completion of the 30-day program, Career Expansion Network will place the graduates into awaiting job positions. The program started on July 16 and there are approximately 20 parolees out of the Antelope Valley Parole Complex enrolled.
“We would like to thank and recognize Agent Derick Kennon, Parole Agent I, out of the Antelope Valley Parole 4 Unit, for his dedication in working with stakeholders in the community to assist parolees into reintegrating back into society,” said his supervisors.
By DAPO staff