Massachusetts Department of Correction and Parole Board Announce New Pilot Program to Educate Incarcerated Individuals on Parole Process
- Cat Burchmore
- Jul 26, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 21, 2024
Initiative enhances the parole system’s transparency and equity, supports parole petitioners with the development of of a strong reentry plan
Today, in recognition of National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week, the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) and the Massachusetts Parole Board announced the launch of a pilot program to educate and support incarcerated individuals through the parole process. The Massachusetts Parole Orientation Program (M-POP) was developed to enhance the transparency and equity of the parole system and empower incarcerated individuals to participate in a pathway to becoming strong candidates for parole.
A working group designed the M-POP pilot program over seven months with input from key stakeholders and impacted populations, including currently incarcerated people, parolees, and others with lived experience. The working group included parole officers and administrators, the Parole Board Chair, a DOC transitional services representative, a legal advocate, and staff from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.
The newly developed parole orientation program consists of seven modules that provide incarcerated individuals with an overview of the parole process, including common terms and definitions, an explanation of the various types of hearings, and details about eligibility and the parole notification process. The learning modules also include a curriculum about the importance of accountability and participation in DOC programming, what to expect after a parole hearing decision, and how to access resources and establish a support team.
The parole orientation program reflects our commitment to ensuring a more fair and equitable criminal justice system. The education series will provide parole petitioners with an additional resource to support individual success and prepare for community reintegration,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I’m grateful to the many partners who contributed to this innovative collaboration, advancing a program that strengthens transparency and equity while promoting successful reentry and reducing recidivism.”
“This collaboration between the Parole Board and the Department of Correction reflects our Administration’s goal of reducing barriers to successful reentry and providing individuals with resources that facilitate a pathway to a healthy and productive life after incarceration,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.
“This collaborative initiative strives to increase the parole system’s transparency while supporting individuals as they navigate the reentry process and plan for a successful return to the community,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “EOPSS is grateful to our many partners in this effort and reaffirms our shared commitment to advancing innovative programs that enhance public safety, reduce recidivism, and build safer communities.”
The pilot program was launched at MCI-Shirley and MCI-Framingham. The M-POP course is available to program participants in a hybrid format, accessible through DOC-issued tablets and in-person sessions. Pilot participants will then be asked to offer feedback.
The new M-POP pilot program joins an extensive list of programming made available through the DOC’s new tablet initiative, which equips incarcerated individuals with personalized electronic devices for convenient access to a wide range of online courses to accelerate education, job skill training, and self-improvement programs. Online programming aims to strengthen further and complement the DOC’s existing in-person educational and vocational training programs.
“The Parole Board is dedicated to creating an equitable and transparent parole system,” said Parole Board Chair Tina M. Hurley. “Our goal is to promote a balanced and efficient approach to lowering recidivism and enhancing public safety.”
“The DOC strives to be innovative and proactive as we remain focused on rehabilitating incarcerated individuals,” said DOC Interim Commissioner Shawn Jenkins. “These partnerships across state agencies show the collective goal to maintain Massachusetts’ reputation as a front-runner in reducing recidivism.”
The M-POP pilot phase will be evaluated to assess outcomes and inform evidence-based policy decisions about ways to continually improve the program.
National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week takes place from July 21 through July 27 this year. Organizations across the country celebrate and recognize the professionals in these fields who work to serve the public and keep communities safe.
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