As a known legal expert and facilitator in the gated community I was asked to develop a class for the JCCC Re-Entry Center, one that would assist clients (offenders eighteen months from their release dates) in reintegrating back into their communities.
I developed the pilot class Re-Entry; Removing Obstacles to Reintegration, a five-week course. Week 1 discussed legal remedies for disposing of detainers and misdemeanor warrants. Clients learned how to dispose of detainers, whether they were eligible for jail time credit, and how to prepare petitions for time served and sentence reductions.
Weeks 2 and 3 discussed situations client could confront upon their release, such as being stopped by police, either walking or in a vehicle; searches of person, residences, and hotel rooms; the legal concepts of actual and constructive possession; domestic violence, and stalking laws.
Week 4 discussed conditions of parole, parole violations, and right to assistance of counsel at revocation hearing.
Week 5 discussed early discharge from parole, earned compliance credit, and expungement of criminal conviction(s). At the end of class, Re-Entry: Removing Obstacles to Reintegration Class surveys were passed out. Clients were asked to return surveys at graduation ceremony at week 6. The following questions on survey were asked:
1.What did you like most about this class?
2.What did you learn from this class?
3.What subject topic did you benefit the most from?
4.Give any feedback you’d like about the facilitators and Dr. Kowaluk.
5.What would you change about this class?
6.Would you recommend this class to other residents?
7.Upon your release would you be willing to participate in a study concerning recidivism (habitual relapse into crime)?
At the graduation ceremony, six clients (6 out of 7) returned their surveys, were given certificates of completion, and a class photo was taken (Dr. Walton, a Lincoln University Professor was a guest and is in photo, back row, third from viewers left). Pilot class completed. Dr. Gary Kowaluk, Lincoln University Professor (back row, second from viewers left) and Jerry Huskey co-facilitated class.
The survey reviews for the first question were:
QUESTION #1
I liked all the information and the input from different sources. That I was given the information to take care of my misdemeanor warrants.
It taught me a few things that could be useful upon returning to society and we also had someone (Dr. Kowaluk) talk about things.
The you decide packet, because I like to learn about cases and it say what to do when approached by law enforcement.
That the information was delivered in a clear, concise, lecture style manner.
The information.
The open discussion and the respect we all have when one person is talking.
QUESTION #2
I learned that in Terry stops you have to listen and evaluate your responses.
I learned that I in fact do have rights that these people make us believe that we dont.
Different laws that I didnt know about. Stipulations of parole. What to do when stopped or questioned.
I already had a background in this information but did learn that certain nonviolent crimes can be expunged from your record.
I learned what to expect and how to act on parole as well as some useful info to prevent problems or how to deal with them.
To be a better listener.
QUESTION #3
Reintegrating back into society with knowledge about how things work.
I benefited from all of the topics because 99% of it I didn’t know.
Search and seizure.
Forms that were handed out that allowed you to take care of detainers and plead out to misdemeanor charges.
Terry stop and conditions of parole.
Being on parole and rules to follow.
QUESTION #4
All clients gave positive feedback on this question.
QUESTION #5
The time class is taking place because the affordability of this place is crazy so sacrifice.
Honestly, there needs to be more homework so that instead of just assuming that we know what is being taught, you would know that you aren’t just talking and people will understand what is being said and taught.
Bring snacks. LOL… nothing class is great.
If anything, I would extend the length of the class and go more in depth. That would give the student a better background in vocabulary and understanding of the subject matter.
More people/more interactive/ maybe a little more structure as far as what we are supposed to take away from each class.
I would incorporate more actual outside interactions with employment and home plans for those being released soon; arrange actual SATOP classes leading to renewing driver’s license.
QUESTIONS #6 and 7
All clients answered yes.
SURVEY RESULTS
Based upon the answers to the survey a few changes will be made for the second class, starting in mid-April or beginning of May. Clients will be given more homework. The snacks and drinks might be an option if myself and Jerry Huskey can pitch in $5 to $10 per graduating class. These two things will improve class sign-up and attendance. The survey answers will also be used to request the attendance of Missouri Parole Board members to determine whether the board approves of it and will give acknowledgment of certificates of competition from clients during parole hearings.
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