The Impact of a Family's Voice
A letter to parole board from family is essentially a written statement submitted by the loved ones of an inmate, outlining their perspective on the inmate's character, their remorse, and their readiness for release. These letters are important because they offer a humanizing element to the parole board's decision-making process. While the board reviews official records and reports, a letter from family provides insights into the inmate's life outside of the correctional facility, their relationships, and the support system that will be in place upon release. The importance of a letter to parole board from family cannot be overstated; it provides a vital perspective that official documents simply cannot capture.- Provides a personal account of the inmate's positive qualities.
- Demonstrates the existence of a strong support network.
- Can highlight rehabilitation efforts and changes in behavior.
- Family members can share specific examples of the inmate's growth and maturity.
- They can attest to the inmate's understanding of the harm caused by their actions.
- Letters can offer reassurances about future accountability and responsible living.
| What the board looks for | Family's contribution |
|---|---|
| Evidence of remorse and accountability | Personal reflections on the inmate's expressed regret |
| Support system upon release | Commitment to providing housing, employment, or emotional support |
| Potential for successful reintegration | Belief in the inmate's ability to be a productive member of society |
Letter Example: Expressing Continued Belief in Character
To the Honorable Members of the Parole Board,
My name is [Your Name], and I am writing to express my unwavering belief in the inherent goodness of my [son/daughter/spouse/etc.], [Inmate's Full Name]. While I acknowledge the seriousness of the offense for which [he/she] is incarcerated, I have witnessed firsthand [his/her] profound remorse and sincere desire to live a life of purpose and integrity.
Since [Inmate's Name]'s incarceration, I have seen [him/her] dedicate [his/her] time to self-improvement, participating in [mention specific programs, e.g., anger management, educational courses, vocational training]. [He/She] has spoken often about the mistakes made and the pain caused, and I am confident that [he/she] has learned valuable lessons. I believe in [Inmate's Name]'s capacity to be a contributing member of society, and I am committed to providing the support needed to ensure [his/her] successful reintegration.
Thank you for considering our family's perspective.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
Letter Example: Highlighting a Stable Housing Plan
To the Parole Board,
I am writing on behalf of my [brother/sister/cousin], [Inmate's Full Name]. My name is [Your Name], and I reside at [Your Address]. I want to assure the board that if [Inmate's Name] is granted parole, [he/she] will have a safe and stable place to live.
I am prepared to offer [Inmate's Name] a room in my home at [Your Address]. I have ample space, and I am committed to ensuring that [he/she] adheres to all parole conditions. I will be closely involved in [his/her] daily life, providing guidance and support to help [him/her] get back on [his/her] feet and avoid any future trouble.
We are eager to have [Inmate's Name] home and to support [him/her] in building a positive future.
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
Letter Example: Detailing a Job Offer or Employment Prospects
To the Esteemed Members of the Parole Board,
My name is [Your Name], and I am the owner of [Company Name] located at [Company Address]. I am writing to you today with great enthusiasm regarding the potential release of [Inmate's Full Name].
We have known [Inmate's Name] for some time, and during [his/her] incarceration, [he/she] has expressed a strong desire to work in [mention relevant field]. I am pleased to inform you that if paroled, we are prepared to offer [Inmate's Name] a position as a [Job Title] at our company. This position involves [briefly describe job duties]. We believe [Inmate's Name] has the skills and dedication to be a valuable asset to our team.
We are confident that a steady job and the structure it provides will be crucial for [Inmate's Name]'s successful reintegration into the community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Phone Number]
Letter Example: Emphasizing Family Support and Guidance
Dear Parole Board Members,
I am [Your Name], and I am the [relationship to inmate, e.g., mother] of [Inmate's Full Name]. I am writing to express our family's deep commitment to supporting [Inmate's Name] upon [his/her] potential release.
Our family has been through a difficult time, but we are united in our desire to help [Inmate's Name] rebuild [his/her] life. We have discussed the challenges ahead, and we have a plan in place to provide [him/her] with emotional support, guidance, and accountability. We will be actively involved in [his/her] life, ensuring [he/she] stays on the right path and makes positive choices.
We believe that with our family's strong backing, [Inmate's Name] can become a responsible and contributing member of society.
With deepest respect,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
Letter Example: Addressing Specific Rehabilitation Efforts
To the Parole Board,
My name is [Your Name], and I am [relationship to inmate, e.g., aunt] to [Inmate's Full Name]. I am writing to highlight [Inmate's Name]'s dedicated participation in rehabilitation programs while incarcerated.
I have received regular updates from [Inmate's Name] about [his/her] involvement in [mention specific programs, e.g., substance abuse counseling, conflict resolution workshops, victim impact awareness]. [He/She] has expressed how these programs have helped [him/her] to understand the root causes of [his/her] past behavior and to develop healthier coping mechanisms. I have seen a significant shift in [his/her] perspective and a genuine commitment to personal growth.
We are proud of the progress [Inmate's Name] has made and believe these rehabilitation efforts have prepared [him/her] for a successful return to the community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
Letter Example: Focusing on Positive Past Behavior and Community Ties
Honorable Parole Board Members,
I am [Your Name], a long-time friend and neighbor of [Inmate's Full Name]. I have known [Inmate's Name] for [number] years, and during that time, I have always known [him/her] to be [mention positive traits, e.g., hardworking, kind, involved in community].
Before [his/her] incarceration, [Inmate's Name] was an active member of our community, volunteering at [mention volunteer activities] and always willing to lend a hand. I believe that [his/her] past actions reflect the true character of [Inmate's Name], and that [he/she] is capable of returning to those positive behaviors.
We miss [Inmate's Name] in our community and believe that [he/she] deserves a second chance to contribute positively once again.
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]