In previous weeks Interactive Community, you were introduced to Bill Brown and the murder of Andy Simpson, the crime for which he was convicted. For that crime, he would likely spend the entire duration of his sentence in the penitentiary. But consider the scenario that Bill was found guilty of a dangerous felony instead and sentenced to 20 years in prison. During this sentence, Bill was released into the community on parole after 17 years of “good behavior,” and is now 35 years old. The condition of his parole is that he must meet with his parole officer once every month, commit no further crimes, and obtain housing and employment. If he is found to be in violation of his parole, he will be returned to jail to serve the remaining years of his sentence.
Bill has been offered free room and board for the two months after his release by Andy Simpson’s parents. While Andy’s parents continue to grieve the loss of their son, yet feel that the best way to honor his memory is to “give Bill a chance to have a future that Andy did not have.”
Since his incarceration, Bill has experienced recurring nightmares and flashbacks about the night he and his friend James Xavier attacked Andy, and he avoids all discussion and reminders of that night and the people involved. He accepted the offer of housing from Andy’s family because he felt he had no other option, and he hopes to be able to get a paying job quickly and move out. James’ parents, who also still live in the community, tried to petition against Bill’s parole, and have been trying to enlist other community members to speak out about Bill’s “bad and dangerous influence on children in the community,” citing the death of their son as an example. During incarceration, Bill completed his General Education Degree (GED) and expressed interest in coaching kids at sports activities. A new state and federally-funded recreation center in a nearby town (20 miles away) recently opened, and he plans to seek employment at this facility.
The Assignment (2–3 pages):
Synthesize the practical challenges encountered by Bill reentering the community, using examples from the scenario, the Interactive Community, and the week’s Resources.
Synthesize the psychological challenges encountered by Bill reentering the community, using examples from the scenario, the Interactive Community, and the week’s Resources.
Briefly describe the challenge you think is most significant of those explored and explain why. Support your response with references from the week’s Resources.
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