It’s a pleasure to be a part of something that is bigger than me and my own experiences. Coming together to support a common good is the hallmark of the career that I have chosen. Or perhaps has chosen me. I am a therapist working in the helping field since 2007. I have worked in the substance use bracket for…
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This issue’s book review is of the novel House Rules by Jodi Picoult. Picoult is an author I enjoy reading because she does a good job of writing about different situations and points of view I may be unfamiliar with. She helps me see things from different perspectives and have sympathy for, or at least better understand, people and issues…
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As 2023 draws to a close, your PARSOL leadership team has paused to examine a year in review, and share highlights of our work. Your ongoing support helps us keep moving forward in each of these areas. The continued support of our members and donors, paired with a small-but-growing group of volunteers makes our work possible. Please remember PARSOL in…
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Javert thought he could correct his family’s wrongs, but did he over-correct and forget about empathy and compassion? Is society on the same path around people with criminal histories?
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When hiring employees, companies often strive to build a workforce that reflects their values, promotes diversity, and supports community integration. One often-overlooked demographic in the hiring process is re-entering citizens, particularly those with a history of sex offenses. While this may raise concerns for some, it’s essential to consider the merits of providing second chances to individuals who have served…
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I was able to attend the 15th annual national conference of NARSOL June 22-25 in Houston. It was last minute and I hesitated because I haven’t flown in about 25 years. But, I put that aside because PARSOL asked and I wanted to represent them and network with others in order to better serve registrants. The speakers were a wealth…
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The Pennsylvania General Assembly passed Act 53 of 2021 on June 30, 2021. Act 53 did two things: It enhanced the sentencing penalty on child pornography; and It established the Task Force on Child Pornography (TFCP). The Task Force’s Recommendations The TFCP was comprised of legislators, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, victim advocates, and psychologists. Together, they examined the sentencing of…
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UPDATE: PARSOL has been made aware that the below scam continues to be pervasive as recently as January 25, 2023. Please be aware of it.
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I recently penned an essay on felony voting disenfranchisement at the request of an incarcerated friend who needed assistance with a Villanova University application question. As I concluded my composition, I could not help but ponder the countless instances in which PFRs are disenfranchised absent any legitimate government interest or reasonable general risk. As such, the promise of equal protection…
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October is here and it’s almost that frightful time of the year. The goblins, ghouls, and ghosts are out. But of course, we can’t forget the neighborhood “boogeyman”. He doesn’t wear a costume or put on Halloween makeup. He doesn’t go around with an ax, machete, or chainsaw. He doesn’t hide underneath the bed or in the closet waiting to…
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