Smart Parole Course Programming

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s (TDCJ) Parole Division supervises individuals released from prison who are serving out their sentences in Texas communities.  The Parole Division consists of five regions statewide with 67 district parole offices and is responsible for monitoring the activities of individuals on supervision and their compliance with the conditions of their release and laws of society.  The Parole Division promotes compliance with the conditions of release by supporting the use of interventions and motivational options and strives to enhance successful reintegration through programming and resources impacting the factors that contribute to recidivism.  The Division does not make release decisions, nor does it decide any special conditions of parole.  Authority for these decisions rests with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. 
            The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles’ approval decisions are based upon an established set of guidelines, which utilizes a risk assessment instrument (static and dynamic factors) and offense severity ranking (Low, Moderate, High, Highest). The Board also has the authority to impose special conditions for parole supervision, such as requiring the parolee to attend substance abuse counseling, anger management or similar programming. 
            Comprehensive programming is available in 12 District Reentry Centers located in populous areas throughout the state.  There are also programs offered at the district parole offices, however program availability varies between offices.  For offenders assigned to rural district parole offices, attending appropriate programming may be problematic due to the proximity of the nearest District Reentry Center.  In these cases, the program referral is excused due to lack of services.  
        This grant request seeks to obtain two Program Specialist positions to facilitate virtual programming for offices outside of a District Reentry Center to satisfy these special conditions of parole. The grantee will receive training and technical assistance in the development of an action plan and implementation of real time technical tools to work with existing systems.