Important Information on Upcoming Clinical Project
Randy L. Langford
Dear All,
Please see Kimberly Gibbs’ notice below about necessary requirements for participation in upcoming RJI clinical programs this fall. In order for us to effectively study, promote and apply restorative justice at our law school and in our community it is imperative that we understand restorative justice both academically and practically. The leadership of RJI believes that participation as a facilitator in a restorative circle is essential to understanding the principles and processes of restorative justice. RJI has formed a cooperative relationship with Bridges to Life to give students the opportunity to experience firsthand the application of restorative justice in the relative safety (re: attorney/client considerations) of a post-adjudication setting.
For those of you who have accepted leadership positions in RJI, it is required that you act as a facilitator in one of the ongoing RJI projects. This requirement is not meant to be a burden, but, rather, to help you gain greater insight into the restorative model. In doing so we believe you will be able to make better decisions concerning the direction and future plans of RJI. As a side benefit, if you’re like me, it will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your law school studies.
Deadlines are fast approaching, so please contact Kimberly right away and let her know in which project you would like to participate. Regardless your immediate plans it would be best for you to undergo all curriculum and security clearance training now so that when you are able to facilitate you will not have to work that time into your busy schedule.
I look forward to seeing you all again soon. Who knows, maybe we’ll be teamed up to work as co-facilitators. J
Randy L. Langford
2009
Juris Doctor Candidate
Member, St. Mary’s School
of Law Restorative Justice Initiative
Protecting the Lord's children who have fallen short of perfection from the wrath of those who believe they have attained it - Stuart Kinard
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential or proprietary information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, immediately contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.
From: kimberly gibbs
[mailto:kimberl...@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Friday, July 11, 2008 2:19
PM
To: leade...@stmarytxrji.org;
li...@stmarytxrji.org
Subject: Fall Bridges to Life
Project
I know everyone is busy with summertime obligations and activities, but I just wanted to take a minute to remind you that the fall Bridges To Life project is just around the corner. Unfortunately, it takes some advanced planning to get these projects up and running successfully. If you are still interested in doing a fall project this information is vital for your participation.
TDCJ Ney Prison Project:
Start date: August 21st 2008 (14 consecutive weeks, Thursday nights 6:20-8:45)
End Date: November 20th
Place: Joe Ney Unit, Hondo, Texas (Carpools will be arranged for those interested.)
*If you have already submitted the TDCJ application or attended the trainings, skip past these next three steps.
Requirements for participation in this TDCJ prison project:
Step 1: Fill out a TDCJ Volunteer Application/ Background Check form. (attached to this e-mail)
If you are worried about the background check, don't be. TDCJ Victim Services division does not want to disqualify anyone unnecessarily and will determine clearance on a case by case basis. Unfortunetly,if you are currently on parole or probation, you will not be able to participate. If you have been convicted of a sex offense you will also be barred from participating. If you have been convicted of a violent offense it is difficult to get approved and it depends on the specific offense and how long ago it was. Any other offenses are considered on a case by case basis.
All background information submitted is considered confidential, and TDCJ does not disclose the findings of your security background check to anyone. If there is something on your record that you think might disqualify you take heart, many Bridges facilitators have been cleared with a less than perfect record.
After you are cleared, you will receive a letter allowing you access to a TDCJ Volunteer Security Training.
Step 2: TDCJ Volunteer Security Training Session (3 hrs)
Possible date options and locations
1. Saturday July 26th 10:00 - 1:00 at the TDCJ Dominguez Unit, Hwy 90 West, San Antonio
2. August 9th 9:00 - Noon at the TDCJ Joe Ney Unit, Hondo Texas (37 miles from St. Mary's University Campus. Carpools will be arranged for anyone needing a ride.)
3. A third date may be added if necessary.
Step 3: Bridges Facilitator Training (3 hrs)
Possible options
1. Saturday August 16th 10:00 - 1:00 (location to be determined at a later date).
2. A second date may be added if necessary.
* Those who attended the mini training by Randy Langford at last spring’s RJI meeting only need to attend 11:30 P.M. - 1:00 P.M. to finish up the last part of the training.
Many of you who are planning to participate in this project have completed the TDCJ application and one or both of these required meetings. For those who have not completed a TDCJ Application and one or both of these meeting requirements but still want to participate, please e-mail me so we can plan your schedule.
I would like for everyone with an interest in restorative justice to play a vital part in this life changing project. If there is a conflict with any of these dates we may be able to add additional dates for both the TDCJ volunteer security training and Bridges facilitator training if enough people need another date. Please let me know as soon as possible if you intend to participate in the project and if there are any conflicts so I can determine the need for an additional date for training.
For those of you who may be anticipating participation in the October Bexar County Jail project instead of the Ney project there is a possibility the jail project could be canceled due to staffing problems. Sadly, we had to cancel the scheduled Bexar County Jail project in June due to the jail’s staffing shortage. Currently all Saturday visitations and programs at the jail have been cancelled until further notice. Consequently, I cannot guarantee that the October project will make. You may want to consider this August 21st option--it could be the last project we offer in 2008.
One thing to keep in mind is that the requirements for participation in the Bexar County Jail and the TDCJ prison project are completely different. Bexar County Jail requires a background check, fingerprinting, and a TB test in advance of participation. If you have facilitated a jail project and intend to switch to a prison project you must fulfill the requirements listed above. If you have participated in a prison project and intend to switch to a jail project you must fulfill Bexar County's requirements.
If you have already done a prison project or have fulfilled all the requirements I still need to hear from you so I can determine in advance how many facilitators we have. The number of facilitators we have determines how many men we can invite to participate in the project. Please remember all these preparatory steps take time to complete. I hope to hear from you soon.
Kimberly Gibbs
Regional Coordinator
Bridges To Life
Please contact me by e-mail or phone at:
(210) 601-7350 cell