Prison Review Board Visit
| On Feb. 10th, SLM hosted Adam Monreal, Chair, and Geraldine Tyler, Member, of the Illinois Prison Review Board. The Review Board has recently referred a number of individuals to St. Leonard’s House who have been in prison for long periods of time – one as long as thirty-five years. Returning to the community presents many challenges for these individuals who have been away from a world that has grown and changed in on so many fronts. It’s not just the obvious additions to society – such as the computer and cell phones – that can heighten one’s anxiety level. Sometimes it’s the basic transition to making decisions about the simple things in life – when to get up, when to eat – that takes some acclimation. The staff at St. Leonard’s House and St. Andrew’s Court, where this issue surfaces more than at Grace House, spend a great deal of time helping men with this transition. The Adler School of Professional Psychology plays an active role in this process. Having done “one’s time” doesn’t always lay the foundation for an easy return to the community. |
Posted April 25th, 2012
