If incarceration, the crown jewel of the criminal justice system is such an effective tool in the arsenal of justice, why wasn’t Richard Nixon prosecuted and sent to prison for his crimes. Was his offenses less destructive or was he given special privileges? If he…
SOCIAL RECONSTRUCTION
In the aftermath of the American civil war our nation’s leaders recognized that a serious effort had to be put into motion to heal the wounds of this nation. Their efforts were not just focused upon rebuilding the South, but extended throughout the country in…
YOU DON’T KNOW
Looking from the outside you have no idea of the impact on family life that comes with an addiction and involvement in the criminal justice system. As a child comes home crying about being tormented about having a father in prison, the remaining parent is…
Death Row Prisoners
One of the objectives of Dismas Project is to reach out to all death row prisoners via the mail. In order to achieve that goal it is necessary to mail 3150 letters a month across the United States. If you accept the fact that all…
DISMAS PROJECT FAMILY SUPPORT MEETINGS
Dismas Project is currently offering a bi-monthly support group for family members and friends of current and former prisoners. Please contact staff at 888-545-5128 for updated information on meeting sites and times. At this time we are hosting meetings in the greater New Orleans area,…
Developing a Personal Pardon Plan – Gratitude
When the totality of the damage we have done in the lives of others becomes revealed to us at a personal level, most individual will have moments feeling overcome by shame and grief. Use those moments to move on in life and embrace the opportunities…
Discarding the Mask and Abandoning Secret Lives
Everyone has an ideal image of themselves as well as the knowledge of the true characteristics which they display toward others in public and private life. Knowing the distinction is vital to the inner healing process. Switching between the real and the ideal in relationships…
Perimeter Psychology, Labels and Severcide
Psychological evaluations are part of a court ordered exam and always happen upon admission to prison. There is no practical appeal from the determinations made by institutional professional staff. It is a common practice to diagnosis an incoming offender with Antisocial Personality Disorder or other…
The Family on Parole – A Life of Transparency
When an offender returns home and is on parole or probation, one of the primary conditions is that their residence is always subject to an unannounced and warrantless search. In practical terms this means that there is no place in the family residence which is…
Preparing for the Transition to Community Life
The family members and the prisoner have lived very different lives over an extended period of time. Do not expect anyone to adjust easily without indications of distress. Since family members suffer in a number of ways, the adjustment period must include an opportunity to…
