An unfamiliar letter came to my home last month, and my mind was taken back to the Federal Correctional Institution. I remember Mail Call and walking over to the front of the prison dorm where the Corrections Officer had a large sack full of letters, magazines, and books. I was one of the lucky ones, as I had people who…
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GUEST EDITORIAL: A Therapist’s Stance for Equity in Treatment Programs
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…
Read MoreBOOK REVIEW: House Rules by Jodi Picoult
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…
Read MoreLegal Case Update: Com. v. McGinnis
The case of Com. v. McGinnis involves the admissibility of expert testimony on false or distorted memories in children who are alleged victims of sexual abuse. The complainant, J.M., disclosed to his mother in 2013 that his father (the defendant) had sexually abused him years prior. J.M. was found competent to testify at trial. The defense sought to introduce expert…
Read MoreReflecting on 2023 and looking toward the future…
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…
Read MoreThanks, Pennsylvania… for proving our point!
Sometimes, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hands us just what we need to make our case for rational sexual offense laws, and this year was a big year for that kind of thing. So… thanks, Pennsylvania government! Pennsylvania Task Force on Child Pornography (TFCP) The Pennsylvania Task Force on Child Pornography (TFCP) was established by Act 53 of 2021 by the…
Read More‘Les Miserables’ is Playing Out in Today’s World
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?
Read MoreDownload the PARSOL Annual 2023: Rational Reform
Download the 2023 PARSOL Annual Report and Magazine
Read MoreRESCINDED: No Job for You!
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…
Read MorePA House Hearing Experts: Residency Restrictions Don’t Work
Back in March, we asked PARSOL Advocates supporters to take action and write to the House Judiciary Committee chairman about HB77. Today, the Committee held a public hearing on the merits of residency restrictions for some people forced to register under Pennsylvania’s ‘Megan’s Law’ (SORNA). The emails worked. Rather than not hold a hearing (our original ask), Chairman Timothy Briggs…
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