Making Up a Class List
Submitted by Robert A. Hassett, Assistant Chief Probation Officer

To all interested parties:
From: ACPO Robert A. Hassett
Re: The Changing Lives Through Literature Program for Women:

The next session of the program will be starting on [fill in the blank]

Referrals will be accepted from the Bench, Defense Counsel, Asst. D.A., Probation Staff, and other Court personnel. Repeat offenders with prior probations and the distinct possibility of incarceration are preferred.

Participants will be screened to ascertain any active substance abuse and must remain drug free for the duration of the program. Participants must also demonstrate their ability to read and understand the assigned text. A sample of the text is available in the Probation Department. Pre- and post-program questionnaires will be administered to each applicant. These will cover basic background information and expectations and experiences of the program.

The program is in the form of an open discussion group. Participants are given reading assignments, either novels or short stories, and are brought together with a Professor, Judge, and Probation Officer in order to discuss the texts. Participants must be able to read and comprehend text to the level that will allow them to actively participate in the class.

All participants must have an active case before the court that has been disposed of with Probation conditions. The probationers must attend all sessions, read the material beforehand, complete any written assignments, and take an active part in the discussion. Failure to abide by these conditions will result in a Violation of Probation and possible imposition of the sentence.

Incentives for the probationer are early termination of supervision and a reduction or remittance of court fees. Job preparation, stress management, and college entrance requirements will be covered.

Supervision of the case will be covered by the ACPO during the duration of the program. All interested parties should contact ACPO Hassett as soon as possible.