Halfway House Update

Well, after completing 2 weeks my friend can have a weekend pass to go home with his family! His attorney is bringing him his car with the required documentation: registration, insurance and proof the insurance has been paid. We're not sure what kind of driving priveleges he will be allowed, but I'm fairly convinced it will be in connection with a job. The vehicles are kept in a fenced secured lot, which is comforting considering the section of town the halfway house is in. That's it for the update. He's officially completed his first week. :)

Halfway House: what I do know so far

My friend reported to the Dismas halfway house this past week. I will share with you what I do know initially, and as time progresses. Although he is there on "early release" and was told by the bop before he left prison that he would only be there for about 3 weeks, hogwash. The counselor at the halway house said he may do the remainder of his sentence (to Apr 30) in halfway house. He was breathalized immediately upon arrival. No problem there. He is allowed one (2 hr) visit per week on Sunday 1230 - 2:30 pm. Only 4 people per visit, children are counted as adults. That cannot be broken down into 2 visits on Sunday. It's one visit with a maximum of 4 people. He must register for work through the state employment commission, even though he is 71 and very self-employed. He can wear his own clothes. Visitors can bring him food, but have to leave with all left overs. After the initial 72 hrs. he gets a 2 hr. Walmart pass and must provide his own transportation, be it bus, taxi, or friend or relative. They sleep in bunk beds which are much more comfortable than the bop metal beds. He is allowed a vehicle only if hired and it is needed to get back and forth to work. There are both men and women living at the halfway house, but are not allowed to interact. They have even drawn a line down the middle of the back yard, left side for girls, right side for boys. LOL No cell phones or computers are allowed there. The biggest downside so far: he is bored silly but far better off than in prison!!!

Need some help/advice

Can anyone tell me where to get information on the Orlando Dismas Charities RRC? My husband is scheduled to go there in July and I am trying to get as much information as I can. I have been unable to find any. I have no idea what to expect once he gets there. Rules, regulations, jobs, visitation, etc? Please can anyone help me?

New Links

I have added two links on the right to Amazon,com for ordering books and magazine subscriptions for our loved ones.  I hope these help in getting items to your loved ones.

MagicJack

This was on the daily FedCure digest this morning. I thought I would share it with those of you that use MagicJack. I have not heard that any of you are having an issue yet. Morgantown tends to be behind the other facilities when it comes to enforcing many pain in the a#^ regulations.



7a. MagicJack


Posted by: "larrybsmith1246" larrybsmith1246@yahoo.com larrybsmith1246

Sun Jan 3, 2010 5:07 pm (PST)

I have a MagicJack phone (as seen on TV) that hooks to my computer. My son, who is in Milan FCI in Michigan, used to be able to call me on it but about 2 months ago they took that 'previlege away. How can they do this? The phone service only cost me $19.95 a year and I was able to get a Milan phone number which saves on the cost of phone calls from him to me. Why would/did they do this?



7b. Re: MagicJack

Posted by: "Director of Public Affairs" kirsten.mamer@fedcure.org kirsten_maynard



There is a security concern with the local number being patched through to a person. It's not exactly call forwarding which is against BOP policy, however the number can be provided to anyone, and the service be in someone elses name. Making the security question being, who is the inmate really speaking with.



Now, I realize inmates can call cellphones directly and similar to above, the cellphone may not actually be in the hands of the contracted (listed) owner.

H.R. 1529 Second Chance act of 2009

Check out Mike Kelly's newest article on change.org.  http://criminaljustice.change.org/blog/view/a_new_year_for_second_chances

New Year's Day visitation

After not seeing my husband for almost 3 months, what a blessing it was to see him today. Visitation today was the best visit I have had in a long time. There was hardly anyone there, all vending machines were well stocked and working, liquid soap in the bathroom and a drama free visit!!!!!! Happy New Year's everyone!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Hello Everyone, I am new (today) to this site. My son sits in county jail awaiting sentencing soon. He will be going to a 'low' - confused if Morgantown is a 'low' or a 'camp'.

It is a very bleak and dark time for him and his family. We are all devastated.

If anyone has any input at all it will be so appreciated. I have tons of questions..what a terrible learing experience. One day at a time.

Blessings for a better new year.
Judi

Federal Holidays 2010

I have updated the list of federal holidays.  Please notice that Christmas and New Years 2011 will fall on a Saturday, so they will be having holiday visitation hours on the Fridays before. 

Happy New Year!

Our group as it is structured today has exsisted for one year.  I feel very fortunate to have met each and every one of you, both in person and on-line.  You guys are my silver lining to this entire experience.   

We still have a lot of work to do on legislaltion.  Please do not stop.  It is the squeeky wheel that gets the oil.  I will continue to post updates to legislation as I get them.  If you hear something I do not please post it for the group.  If you have an idea on how we can get these bills passed please share it. 

Have a Wonderful Weekend and a Happy New Year!