Engaging offenders
The State Board of Pardons and Paroles continues to emphasize program completion by parole eligible inmates.
To raise awareness within the inmate population regarding the need for inmates to complete programming, during the fall, the Board awarded parole certificates to some offenders who were graduating programming.
In the past several months, Board staff visited several prison facilities taking part in GED and other program graduations. Staff also talked with groups of inmates to answer parole questions and interview offenders.
"More state inmates understand that they need to be parole ready. Criminal justice reforms are creating more opportunities for offenders to make a positive change. Graduating with a GED or high school diploma helps prepare that offender for successful reentry," stated Executive Director of Parole Chris Barnett.
Rogers State Prison GED graduate Terry Long was surprised with a parole grant last August by Board Member Terry Barnard and Director Barnett. Inmates Holly Bryant and Wendy Harper were presented parole certificates by Board Member Terry Barnard following their GED graduation ceremony at Emanuel Women's Facility in late September. Amanda Ney received a GED at the Metro Transitional Center (TC) in Atlanta and then received a parole certificate presented by Board Member Jacqueline Bunn.
“We want state inmates who are parole eligible to complete these programs provided by the Department of Corrections,” stated Bunn.
Staff also attended the program graduation at the Washington Parole Detention Center, where upon graduating from the facility based treatment program, the successful graduates can be returned to community supervision.
Inmates enrolled in the Braille Program at Central State Prison and inmates at the Jenkins Correctional Facility were also paid parole visits last fall.
Georgia Parole Review
6