Because of the social stigma that often goes with being labeled a sex offender, it can be very isolating and difficult to be on parole. Finding housing can be a special challenge. Make sure that you seek help from a caseworker to help you find the resources you need. Most inmates will not be able to get help from a field service rep until about two weeks prior to leaving. Also, there are only two contractual sex offender housing facilities in the state that can hold 28 men total between them. Unless you have family members who can house you, the process for over 90% of sex offenders is as follows – you will be walked to the door of the prison on your parole date and they will technically violate you as they have nowhere to register. Then you go back inside the prison to serve half the time of the remaining parole as a prisoner. You will eventually be released without parole supervision.

Sometimes people on parole become frustrated when they can’t get a job, can’t afford rent, can’t pay for required treatment, etc. Self-revocation and going back to prison may look like the best solution. However, think through this very carefully. There may be places where you can get help that you haven’t yet explored. Also, depending on your conviction, even if you self- revoke you may end up in a community corrections program, not prison, anyway. Then you’ll still have to find a job, pay for treatment, pay rent at the facility, etc. If you find yourself hitting the wall and you feel like you can’t manage any more, talk with a friend, counselor, pastor, mentor, sponsor—anyone who can help you.