Dr. M Blatstein's Blog

ETC AND GOOD INTENTIONS

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DOESN’T HELP AIC PLAN FOR HH or HC IN A DYSFUNCTIONAL SYSTEM

…stated that for low-need/low-risk inmates, home confinement is the preferred pre-release option.
 
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This option is currently under-utilized. Program Statement 7320.01, Home Confinement. [More than 5 years before the FSA] Two home confinement options
1) placement under the supervision of an RRC or
2) placement in a Federal Location Monitoring (FLM) program operated by U. S. Probation, where available. Staff are encouraged to maximize resources, including recommending direct placement on home confinement for appropriate inmates.
 
Should RRM staff have concerns regarding a referral and/or the recommended placement, they will communicate these concerns to the referring institution, typically the Case Management Coordinator (CMC).
 
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**This is a perfect example of why the personal narrative and an ever-growing release plan with a history of spending one’s time in constructive activities could smooth out the process and get you that case manager’s HH or HC recommendation for the RRM. Best started before the PSI.
 
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However, there are no promises or guarantees when dealing with the BOP or the courts.
 
BOP’s new video was released to clarify the rules under which First Step Act credits are earned and applied.
  • Case managers who are on the front lines of implementing this law are encountering problems because of their interpretation of the law and halfway house capacity issues.
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Jeremy Cooper, NCRO Correctional Programs Administrator 
  • You can “stack” The 2nd Chance ACT HC and then add your FTCs towards it, BUT THAT’s NOT HAPPENING. Why?
  • “Case Managers don’t currently have a PRD or a calculator to see your transition date to halfway house,” Cooper said. Without a calculator, there can be no stacking, and this calculator has been promised for months.
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Dr. Gabel,
FTC-related issues using the administrative remedy process are 3 issues.
1) Case managers are unaware of these rules; ‘the process is broken.’ Many staff do not understand the nuances of the law.
2) The process can take months to over a year, so even the Adm Remedy process may not work.
3) Case Managers are left to (be the middle child), telling AIC that “Central Office advised they have no update or info regarding when the second application, as the projected date of leaving the institution, is still unavailable.
 
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Dr. Blatstein (Marc)
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