Per IDOC Policy 602.26.01.014 (Program Management for Inmates), parole hearing interview packets are to be delivered four months prior to parole hearings.
This week I watched as several arrived late, giving my neighbors just eight working days to collect all their reference letters and letters of verification; their work, treatment, scholastic and military histories; the history of their families and/or people they’ll be living with; and their prospective employment, housing and treatment program details.
As you can imagine, eight working days is not enough time. The best they’ll be able to do is fill out what they can and inform their pre-hearing investigator they weren’t given the requisite time.
As a way to prevent the parole-eligible and their families from having to rush in the future, I’ve transcribed IDOC’s Parole Hearing Interview Packet and made it available here.
At the end of this presentation are several community resources that I recommend for consideration during the process of reentry.
Additional information and recommendations are welcome in the comments.
…
“A GUIDE TO HELP PREPARE FOR YOUR UPCOMING PAROLE HEARING INTERVIEW”
Last revised 08/21/2019
State of Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole
3056 Elder St.
Boise, ID 334-2520
Upon completion this document will be turned in to a case manager, who will then scan it to the pre-hearing investigator.
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Pg. 1
Dear Candidate for Parole,
Congratulations on the completion of your determinate sentence and your upcoming parole hearing. Part of the Commission of Pardons and Parole process to consider inmates for release on parole is an interview by a Parole Hearing Investigator (PHI). The information obtained in this interview is included in a report that is provided to the Commissioners. The Commissioners review this report as part of their decision-making process to determine whether or not to grant you parole.
This packet of information is designed to give you information on what the Commission considers when making parole decisions, an explanation of the Parole Guidelines, what you should bring with you to your interview with a Parole Hearing Investigator, and when your pre-hearing interview and parole hearing will take place.
It is critical for you to come prepared for the interview to the best of your ability. Please take the interview process seriously, and answer all questions thoroughly, honestly and respectfully. In addition, please work with your Case Manager to prepare for a positive release experience by completing your programming and developing a safe and successful parole plan.
I hope that this information is beneficial and useful to you. I wish you luck as you participate in your hearing interview and see the Commission for parole consideration.
Best,
Ashley Dowell, Executive Director
Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole
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Pg. 2
Parole Hearing Interview Packet
You are scheduled to have an interview with a Parole Hearing Investigator for the Commission of Pardons and Parole. Included in this packet, you will find a Personal History Questionnaire that you will need to completely fill out prior to your scheduled interview.
Preparation for parole consideration should start early, so take the time to complete and do not be afraid to ask for help where you need it.
Please write legibly and present this packet to the parole hearing investigator listed below. Your case manager will meet with you no later than seven (7) days before your scheduled parole hearing interview to review your packet.
Your parole hearing will be held on_________
Your interview will be conducted by Parole Hearing Officer _________
Hearing Session: ___________ Appear or Non-appear ___________
If you do not wish to be considered for parole it is still highly recommended that you meet the PHI as scheduled. You will be asked to fill out an Inmate Refusal to Participate in Parole Interview/Hearing Process Form. A copy of this form can be obtained from your case manager or will be given to you by the hearing investigator at your scheduled interview.
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pg. 3
I. What does the Parole Commission consider in their decision making?
The Parole Commission has complete discretion to grant or deny parole in any individual case and there is no presumption, expectation or right that parole will be granted. The Idaho Legislature has instructed the Parole Commission to promulgate rules that establish guidelines and procedures for parole decision-making. The Parole Commission will review a general risk assessment for each offender and will give consideration to the following:
o Prior criminal history.
o Institutional behavior.
o Seriousness of the crime and aggravation or mitigation involved in the crime.
o Failure or success of past probation and parole.
o Evidence of the development of a positive social attitude and the willingness to fulfill the obligations of a good citizen.
o Information or reports regarding physical or psychological condition.
o Strength and stability of the proposed parole plan.
o Program completion.
o Any other individual factors that bear on whether a release to parole is appropriate.
II. What should I bring with me to the Parole Hearing Interview?
Completed Personal History Questionnaire — This will need to be completely filled out to the best of your ability. If you cannot remember specific dates, locations, or names, this is okay. Please be thorough and take the time to fill out each section. Your proposed parole plan and concluding statement should NOT be left blank. Be prepared to bring letters of support, verification and completion certificates to your scheduled interview.
o Support letters — A support letter verifies to the Parole Commission that your will have support in the community and can also attest to positive changes or growth over a period of time. There are no rules for support letters, so do not be afraid to ask people to write letters on your behalf! These letters can be from family, close friends, loved ones, respected members of the community, counselors, teachers, pastors, etc. There is no limit on the number of support letters you can submit. The Parole Hearing Investigator will submit these letters on your behalf. These documents must be submitted on a standard 8.5×11 sized piece of paper, preferably with with print on one sided.
o Verification Letters– Verification letters are different from support letters. Verification letters are use to confirm your residence, employment and treatment/aftercare plan. It provides proof to the Parole Commission that your proposed parole plan has been secured. The PHI will submit these letters on your behalf.
Program Completion Certificates — Certificates of completion for your recommended programming are NOT Required because the PHI has access to your core curriculum. Examples of certificates not needed include: CBI-SA, CBI-SO, CSOT, TFAC, ART, etc.
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pg. 4
However, if you have voluntarily completed additional education or treatment programs, those certificates can be submitted. Examples of other programs include, but are not limited to: Vocational certificates, Microsoft Office Certification, Skill Stack Programs, Peer Mentoring Program, New Orientation Program, Pre-Release, any programs offered through the Idaho Correctional Industries, 12 Step Programs, the Inmate Dog Alliance Program of Idaho (IDAPI) and any work or apprenticeship experience.
o Late support/verification letters and completion certificates can be submitted to your case manager to be scanned to the PHI. However, all documents and letters that you would like to be reviewed by the Parole Commissioners MUST be submitted seven (7) days in advance of your scheduled parole hearing to ensure they will be considered. Other documents may be allowed by unanimous consent from the Commisioners present for your hearing.
o Goals — Write down and be prepared to discuss what success outside of prison means to you. For example, does this mean finding employment, developing new prosocial relationships, become a better parent? Bring ideas or a list that you can present to the PHI and how you plan to accomplish these goals.
o Please be aware that any documents given to the PHI will not be returned. If you wish to keep official certificates or documents, please bring copies with you to your interview.
What should I expect during the Parole Hearing Interview?
o When meeting with the PHI, be prepared to discuss your instant offense(s), impact on your victims (if any), supervision history, criminal history, institutional behavior, programming, overall progress in the institution and parole plan.
o During the interview, you may be asked difficult questions regarding the subjects listed above and other associated topics..
o This interview is important and the first opportunity to show you are working towards reintegrating back into society. It’s a crucial step in the parole process and should be taken seriously. For non-appear crimes, your interview with the Parole Hearing Investigator will be your opportunity to provide any necessary information to the Parole Commission.
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pg. 5
PERSONAL HISTORY QUESTIONNAIRE
Legal Name __________ IDOC#______
Name incarcerated under ________
Other Names, AKA, Nicknames, Aliases, Maiden or Former Married Names ______________
Place of Birth __________ Citizenship __________ Legal Resident Status Y/N?
What is your primary language?
Driver’s License Status?
Other States you have had a Driver’s License?
Do you have any pending charges, either misdemeanor, felony, or federal? Y/N
If yes, please list those pending crimes and where/when they occurred:
Do you have a Detainer? If so, from what state?
Do you have any No Contact orders in place? When does it expire?
FAMILY INFORMATION
Marital status _______
Spouse Name ________
Names of previous spouse(s) and length of marriage____
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Pg. 6
If you are not married, are you in a current relationship?
If so, what is their name and how long have you been in this relationship?
Biological Mother’s Name: _______________
Biological Father’s Name: __________________
Current stepparent’s names, if applicable: _______________
List names, ages, residence and probation or parole status of all siblings.
Have any other family members ever been arrested or on any type of supervision (including misdemeanor, felony or federal?) Who?
List your children’s names, date of birth, other parent’s name, living status.
How much past due child support do you owe, if any?
What is your monthly child support obligation?
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pg. 7
Describe your childhood and any childhood abuse that you may have experienced.
CRIMINAL HISTORY
Describe how you committed your instant offense(s) for which you are currently incarcerated for (this does NOT include how you violated your probation or parole).
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pg.8
List all states you have been arrested and/or incarcerated in (including Idaho), date(s) of incarceration and for what crimes. If you do not remember the exact dates, this is okay. This includes charges dismissed: Date, location, crime, misdemeanor, felony, disposition.
Probation or parole history: Dates, locations, crimes, dates discharged or revoked.
Describe your past performance on parole. If you violated, describe how.
PHYSICAL/ MENTAL HEALTH
Please list any diagnosed medical concerns or conditions you are currently receiving (or need) treatment for.
Please list any mental health conditions, including those you are currently receiving treatment for and those for which you have been treated for in the past:
What medications are you currently prescribed and for what diagnosis?
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Pg. 9
EDUCATION, MILITARY and WORK HISTORY
What is your highest grade completed in school?
HSE or GED? Date completed and from where?
College(s) attended, degrees obtained and dates (from/to)?
Prior work experience: Date hired, exit date, job title, company name, reason for termination or leaving?
Military history: Branch, rank disciplinary, dates of entry type of discharge, combat experience, and job?
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pg. 10
Institutional Work History: Date hired, exit date, job, institution, reason for termination or leaving?
SUBSTANCE ABUSE HISTORY
List age first used and frequency of use for each: Alcohol, cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, inhalants, IV drugs, LSD, marijuana, methamphetamine, mushrooms, other, PCP, prescription drugs (what kind), spice.
Drug of choice?
Describe substance abuse history and past treatment received:
Longest period of sobriety while not incarcerated?
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pg. 11
PROGRAMMING
List your program participation during incarceration.
INSTITUTIONAL BEHAVIOR
Describe your institutional disciplinary actions, if any.
Do you have any past or current gang affiliations? Y/N
List all current tattoos:
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pg.12
PROPOSED PAROLE PLAN
Proposed residence, telephone number and message number?
List occupant residing at this residence by name, age, relationship and probation or parole status.
In most circumstances, firearms and alcohol are not allowed in the residence where a parolee lives. The home may be subject to search by your supervising officer. Are all other occupant willing to comply with these directives?
Will you be living near a victim of your crime?
Will you have to register as a sex offender?
If you are a sex offender, will there be children under the age of 18 living in or near your proposed residence?
If you are a sex offender, how far is your proposed residence from the nearest school, playground, park, or other area where children commonly gather?
Describe why you feel this residence is your best option.
List secondary housing plans, if available, using the same information required for your proposed residence.
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pg. 13
Interstate Compact/Bond — This area only needs to be filled out if you plan on paroling out of state.
Due to the provisions of the Interstate Compact agreement and the rising costs of extraditing parole violators from other states, it is necessary to offset the taxpayers’ costs of extradition. The 1999 Legislature passed Senate Bill 1215 amending Section 20-223 of Idaho Code, addressing this issue.
Effective July 1, 1999 inmates paroling outside of Idaho will be required to post a $500.00 bond. If the parolee completes his/her parole successfully, the bond will be returned to him/her minus an administration fee. If the parolee violates his/her parole conditions and requires extradition to Idaho, the bond will be forfeited to offset the taxpayer’s cost
The bond may be posted using either one of the two following procedures just prior to your tentative release date:
1. Inmates may submit a $500.00 draw from their inmate account using the inmate draw forms available at their housing facility. The draw should be payable to the Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole.
2. Your family, friends, or other sponsors may post the bond for you. Using the United States Postal Service CERTIFIED MAIL, send a certified check or money order for $500.00 to the Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole to the address found on this questionnaire. Personal checks or hand-delivered money will not be accepted. the Commission will not accept partial or installment payments and all $500.00 is to be submitted in one certified check or money order.
In each instance, the bond money must be accompanied by the name of the inmate, IDOC number, tentative parole date and the state to which they are requesting to reside. If someone else is posting bond, it is imperative that the sender include their name, telephone number, and return address in the event the Commission staff needs to contact them or return the money.
If you are paroling out of state, who will post your bond?
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pg. 14
PROPOSED EMPLOYMENT
Name, address and phone number of business job title, hours per week, rate of pay, duties and supervisor?
Does your proposed employer know you have been convicted of a felony?
If you are a sex offender, will you have contact with minor children?
If you are a sex offender, will you have access to the internet or a computer?
Please list any secondary employment options and include the same information asked for above.
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pg. 15
PROPOSED TREATMENT/ PROGRAMMING PLAN
List programs and aftercare that you will participate in if released on parole. Be prepared to show letters of verification of each program or treatment provider you list.
Information requested: Type of Program, Name of Treatment Provider, Location, frequency of attendance.
What type of medical or mental health support and/or treatment will you require if released onto parole? For example, mental health medications or programming and where will these services be received.
REFERENCES
Names, relationship, phone number:
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Pg. 16
CONCLUDING STATEMENT
Please explain why you feel you should be granted parole. This page will be attached to the report and presented to the parole commissioners during your hearing (you can attach additional pages if needed).
— End of Parole Packet —
RESOURCES FOR REENTRY TREATMENT AND ASSISTANCE
NORTH IDAHO
Riverside Recovery, LLC
3621 12th St.
Lewiston, ID 83501
208-746-4097
riversiderecovery.net
Kootenai Recovery Community Center
1621 N 3rd St., Ste. 700
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
kootenairecovery..org
BETWEEN NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN IDAHO
The ROC
106 E Park St., Ste. 227
McCall, ID 83638
theroc.center
SOUTHWEST IDAHO
St. Vincent de Paul
3217 W. Overland
Boise, ID 83705
208-629-8861
svdpid.org
and
1310 Cleveland Blvd
Caldwell, ID 83605
While SVDP offers Day One services and a recovery coach program in both Districts 3 and 4, only Day One services are offered at the Boise address above. I recommend visiting svdpid.org or following up with a case manager for more complete information.
PEER Wellness Center
7091 W Emerald St.
Boise, ID 83704
208-991-3681
Serenity Wellness
524 Cleveland Blvd., Ste. 230
Caldwell, ID 83605
208-800-0588
serenitywellnessid.com
Terry Reilly Health Services
211 16th Ave. North
P.O. Box 9
Nampa, ID 83653
trhs.org
National Alliance of Mental Illness Connection Recovery Support Group
500 W. Fort St., Building 114, Rm. 2
Boise, ID 83702
208-376-4304
namitreasurevalley.org
SOUTH-CENTRAL IDAHO
Crisis Center of South-Central Idaho
570 Shoup Ave. W
Twin Falls, ID 83301
208-539-5090
crisisidaho.com
Recovery In Motion
560 Shoup Ave
Twin Falls, ID 83301
208-712-2173
recoveryinmotionrcc.org
Embrace Life Recovery
154 1st Ave. W.
208-595-2298
Jerome, ID 83338
SOUTHEAST IDAHO
Behavioral Health Crisis Center of Southeast Idaho
1001 North 7th Ave.
Pocatello, ID 82301
208-821-0716
www.eastidahocrisis.com
Hope and Recovery Resource Center, LLC
210 E. Center St, Ste. D
Pocatello, ID 83201
208-241-7609
hopeandrecovery.net
Center for Hope
530 E. Anderson
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
208-709-0388
rhscares.com
There are many more available, feel free to search about.