Parole and Probation Services Week honors and recognizes the work of parole agents and probation officers.
The following is a short roundup of 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 has seen positive results for one of her clients who has been putting in the work.
Agent Caviness has been supervising parolee Richard Rack for nine months. Even though he’s residing in a neighborhood surrounded by distractions, Rack put in the effort toward rehabilitation.
“Motivational interviewing, conflict resolution and communication with community based resources has helped parolee Rack,” Caviness said. “Rack said these encouraging interactions make him feel a part of society. (He also feels) empowered as a citizen.”
Successfully completing the Fresh Start program at the Los Angeles Mission, Rack has graduated to the Life Start phase, while also landing a job offer.
“He is also currently enrolled in The Urban Ministry Institute of Los Angeles, working toward becoming an Urban Leader for the work of ministry. He has also completed 12 of the required 16 modules,” Caviness said.
Rack has amassed a collection of certificates to address his life coping skills and criminogenic needs. He remains violation free, making significant progress toward positive reintegration into the community, according to Caviness.
Transient parolees get help for ankle monitors
When shelter-in-place orders went into effect, some transient sex offenders found themselves lacking a place to charge their ankle monitors.
Also, many transients were vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus and did not have somewhere to shelter in place. Thanks to collaboration, housing was found for these vulnerable transients.
Cooperating agencies and groups included:
- Geo-Day Reporting Centers in Orange County (DRC)
- CDCR’s Department of Rehabilitative Programs (DRP)
- Chances Counseling Centers
- Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO).
By securing housing, DAPO agents provided shelter as well as additional resources to increase their chances of 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 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
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