Your parole officer undetstands addiction. A large number of people on parole have a substance abuse disorder, therefore, parole officers are familiar with the need for treatment. The key to not having the police called is to keep your PO in the loop about needing help and getting it.
Depending on your state rules, the parole department policy and the personal preferences of your sentencing judge, there are a couple of steps to be taken to get you settled into treatment.In some cases, your PO can simply give you the nod to go to rehab. In most cases, he or she will require you to sign a HIPPA release form that allows the PO to communicate with the rehab regarding your treatment, compliance and completion of the program.
If a judge’s signature is required your PO can get that handled for you. In most cases, you will not have to go to court. Your PO just prepares the order and the judge signs it. This is typically done if your chosen rehab is in a different state, but it is an easy process.
Whether you have already relapsed or are on the verge of relapse, going to treatment is always viewed favorably by both the court system and the parole office. It is better to be honest if you have slipped. Trying to cheat a drug test or failing to report on report day to aviod a test can get you violated. In fact, in many states, trying to cheat a drug tsst for probation or parole is an actual crime and you can be charged for that crime as well as violated for trying to cheat.
The best approach is to gather the information needed prior to discussing it with your PO.
You need to:
- Choose a rehab
- Ask them about bed availability, intake requirements, insurance coverage. etc.
- Confirm that the rehab facility is willing to communicate with your PO if requested
- Do the intake interview
- Secure a bed date
Choose a Rehab
Select one that provides complete support. This typically includes group sessions, individual counseling or mentoring, some recreational time with fellow residents and an aftercare plan.
Bed Availability
In most cases bed availability is not set in stone, but they can give you a window of time where they anticipate one will come open. This is because clients do not always graduate on an exact date, however, it is usually within a day or two of that anticipated date. It is important to talk with your PO as soon as you complete the intake interview, so he or she has time to get the paperwork signed, etc. and when the call comes that the bed is ready, you can leave immediately.
Communication
There is no point in hiding the fact that you are on parole. It is almost a sure bet your PO will make you sign a HIPPA release, and will most likely require verification from the treatment center that you have arrived for treatment. let the rehab know upfront that you are on parole and will have permission from your PO to attend their program. Rehabs deal with probation and parole on a daily basis.
Intake Interview
During the intake interview, typically by phone or Skype, be completely honest. You have taken the first step in seeking help. Help them give you the best program possible by answerting questions truthfully. You will be asked when the last time was that you used. Be honest. Your PO will know when you request permission to go that you have most likely already relapsed. So tell the intake coordinator the truth.
Secure a Bed Date
While an exact bed date is not always possible, the treatment facility should be able to give you an approximate date of availability . That date range is what you will take to your PO so that he or she can get everything in order prior to the earliest date on that list.
You don’t need to wait until your next report date to get this done. Call your PO and ask to come see him. Get the above steps taken care of before you walk into the office. If you can present a plan for your direction correction, be honest about the need and ask for the PO’s help in making it happen, it should work out fine. Ready for help? Call 800-411-8019.