Gold Key Access offers prisoners families support such as how to format a support letter for parole
Letters can be from friends, family, etc. which can increase an offender’s chances of being granted parole.
Below are steps to help you prepare a letter of support:
Step 1: Decide a layout
- A typed letter is by choice, but a neatly handwritten letter is fine
- Date your letter
- Address the letter to “Dear Board Members”
Step 2: Introduce yourself
- Your name and, if relevant, your title, job, etc.
- Why you are writing this letter (“This letter is in support of X’s upcoming hearing for day parole”)
Step 3: Explain your relationship with the offender and why you think the offender is unlikely to reoffend or violate parole
- Explain how long you have known the offender for how long
- Describe the characteristic of the offender has that make you believe the offender will no longer be a risk to society or violate parole conditions
- Give a short story with positive details
- A letter of support is not for expressing the offender’s innocence or lessen the offence
- Support letters identify the offender’s mistakes, and describe how the offender has made steps to change
- State the offender completed programs, avoided misconduct, educational opportunities and/or worked while in custody, these are highlights
Step 4: Explain how you will support the offender’s rehabilitation/re-entry
- Remember, a support letter is not just a reference letter: it explains how you will support the offender in the community
- Discuss what you will do to assist the offender (provide housing, financial support, friendship, employment, transportation, emotional support, etc.)
- Explain how you fit into the offender’s release plan
Step 5: Conclude your letter
- Repeat that the offender has your support and why the offender should get parole
- Sign off with “Sincerely,”
- Write out your full legal name and sign the letter
Our services are clear, powerful and exactly what can help families stay connected!
- Our Half Hour - Provides children, spouses and parents the ability for incarcerated love ones to call family members who may not be able to pay for calls.
- Write On -Offer assistance to prisoners’ families in preparing professional parole hearing letters, petitions and provides stationary with postage.
- Dress for Access -Provides gift cards, coupons, and discounts for prisoners’ families appropriate visitation clothing.
- Fare Share - Share the cost of mileage with the family of incarcerated love ones for special visits such as parole hearing, wedding, and release.