Sherman R. Frederick/Properly Subversive
Say what you will about Marin County sensibilities, at least it’s adventuresome and not in the least bit boring.
Case in point: The county has issued a “media advisory” inviting the press to watch Marin leaders walk in the shoes of an ex-con in a simulated exercise designed to teach them what it would be like if they were actually a “formerly incarcerated individual” trying to get back on their feet in the real world.
Of course, the first thing you notice is the language. Don’t say “ex-con,” say “formerly incarcerated individual”. I’m sure there’s more to it than that and while whole deal may not be my cup of tea, I wish them well. Hope it works.
Here’s the press advisory Marinscope received. You be the judge.
What: Marin County officials, agencies, and organizations will participate in a simulated experience of a formerly incarcerated person who has just been released from custody.
The purpose of this simulation is for participants to gain an understanding of the significant obstacles faced by those navigating the civilian system upon their release from incarceration. Professionals will walk in the shoes of people returning home, giving invaluable insight in how to better help those individuals achieve a successful reentry back into society.
The simulation will replicate in 1-2 hours what a person who was recently released must accomplish during their first month back in society. Each participant assumes the identity of a formerly incarcerated person and receives a packet of materials, including a “Life Card.” The Life Card will include details about their offence(s), living situation, job situation, and the assigned tasks they need to complete through interactions with government run agencies and community organization resources. During these interactions, participants will face the same challenges many ex-offenders endure as they try to meet their court-ordered obligations while attempting to maintain their day-to-day lives.
Who: Representatives from Marin Superior Court, Probation Department, Veterans Services, District Attorney, Public Defender, Public Health, Children and Family Services, Adult Protective Services, Employment and Training, Public Assistance, Sheriff’s Office, Multicultural Center of Marin, Ritter Center, St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin, Marin Housing Authority, Novato Police Department, San Rafael Police Department.
When: Wednesday, October 26, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
· 9:00-9:15 AM — Overview/briefing and welcome
· 9:15-10:15 AM — Three 15-minute “weeks” with breaks in between – BEST PHOTO OPPS!
· 10:15-11 AM — Reflections and questions
Where: Marin Center Exhibit Hall (at rear of Marin County Fairgrounds): 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael
Photo Ops & Interviews:
· Participants attempting to complete assigned tasks through interactions with government and community organizations
· Interview opportunities with:
· Gary Naja-Riese, Director of Homelessness, Marin HHS
· Jamie Scardina, Marin County Sheriff
· Matt Willis, Marin County Public Health Officer
· Dr. Frank Starks, Ritter Center WPC Case Management Manager
· Mary Sackett, Aide to Supervisor Damon Connolly
Background:
This simulation was developed in 2016 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office – Northern District of West Virginia and has served as a model for jurisdictions looking to ensure resources are available for incarcerated individuals to successfully reenter society and return to productive, law-abiding lives. Marin County is the first county in California to conduct this simulation. View an overview of the simulation. This simulation is not open to the public.
Editors:
The Marin Center Exhibit Hall is at the rear of the Marin County Fairgrounds property (behind the Veterans Memorial Auditorium). Media should proceed down Avenue of the Flags until it ends. They will see the Exhibit Hall and a large parking lot on the right side of the road.
This is all a publicity stunt by the Democrats to make it seem like they actually care about these lawless degenerates. They are the party of Calhoun. They should stop pretending otherwise. It’s an insult to the American way.