Source: ACSOL
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has agreed in writing to stop their unwritten policy that required all registrants on parole to undergo treatment the entire time they are on parole. The agreement is the result of a lawsuit filed on behalf of registrants earlier this year.
“This agreement is significant because it will help almost 7,000 registrants currently on parole,” stated ACSOL Executive Director Janice Bellucci. “This agreement will lead to early discharge for many of those registrants.”
In the settlement agreement, CDCR agreed that a parolee’s participation in treatment may be terminated before discharge from parole. CDCR also agreed to conduct individualized consultations with parolees every year to determine if additional treatment is required or can be terminated.
CDCR further agreed to explain in writing the reasons for their decision regarding whether additional treatment is required. Finally, CDCR agreed to provide a copy of that document to the parolee within 30 days.
“If CDCR makes an improper decision regarding whether additional treatment is required, the document stating the reason for that decision can be used as evidence in a legal action,” stated Bellucci. “The final decision regarding whether additional treatment is required will then be made by a Superior Court judge.”
Details regarding this process are to be published in regulations expected to be finalized as early as September. If the regulations are not published in a timely manner, a lawsuit will be filed to enforce the settlement agreement.
Wow! Fantastic! Thank you Janice and ACSOL!