NCJ Number
77620
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 45 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1981) Pages: 53-56
Date Published
1981
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the Parent Orientation Program (POP), which is designed to orient parents toward the potential problems of their children's parole adjustment and help them examine various ways of dealing with these problems.
Abstract
POP, a program established by the New Jersey Bureau of Parole, provides counseling for immediate family members of parolees and other concerned members of the community before the inmate receives parole. The mechanics of parole supervision are explained, and information about community resources which could be important in aiding parolee readjustment is provided. The program also supplies the emotional support needed by parents to assist their children toward reintegration. Patterns of communication are examined in a group setting. Using some of the common practices of interactional theory, parents witness the dynamics of communication. Through role playing and discussion, members analyze their current mode of communication with a view toward changing inadequate communication techniques. The program was initiated with a 6-month pilot project. Of the 18 viable referrals during this period, 12 of the parents responded by attending 1 or more POP meetings. During the project, 19 meetings were held, with 90 in attendance over the project span. Several weeks after the project's conclusion, a telephone survey of participants was conducted to evaluate how well the program met its objectives. The participants unanimously reported a better understanding of the problems of parole adjustment. In their actual experiences, they reported feeling better equipped to face problems. It is anticipated that the program will be expanded to each district parole office. No references are cited.