Author: Mary Weaver

New Publication – Improving Outcomes for Individuals with Sex Offenses

Posted on by Mary Weaver

Improving Outcomes for Individuals with Sex Offenses

Friends Outside Los Angeles County is pleased to announce the release of its publication, “Improving Outcomes for Individuals with Sex Offenses.”  Written in partnership with two researchers, Luis Barrera Castanon, Ph.D., and Marco Murillo, Ph.D., the publication is our final report to the project funder, the California Workforce Development Board.   We undertook the project because of the dearth of information about persons with sex offenses (“registrants”), the myths surrounding them, the stigma against them, and the facts about them.  (For example, did you know that this sub-group has one of the lowest recidivism rates amongst persons with criminal records?).  “ Improving Outcomes for Individuals with Sex Offenses” summarizes our two-year project including the history of sex offenses, research methodologies and findings, input from registrants themselves, and a summary of our very successful pilot project through which 67% of the registrants we served obtained employment.


Toolkit:  Improving Outcomes for Individuals with Sex Offenses

The Toolkit begins with a briefing about the history of sex offenses, background information about registrants, and the stigma against them.  Part #1 was written for workforce professionals and other services providers and includes exercises for individuals and groups to think through any concerns they may have about serving registrants, group activities to address those concerns, and tips for serving them.  Part #2 was written for registrants themselves and includes tips for addressing some of their common challenges and a Personal Self-Assessment Tool with which they can identify their goals, challenges, and support systems and customize a plan to help them reach their goals and overcome their challenges.

 

Fatherhood Project

Posted on by Mary Weaver

We are excited to announce the return of our reentry fatherhood program, the Dads Back! Academy F.I.R.E.!  Our goal is “To support re-entry dads in their pursuit of becoming the best parents they can be through parenting skills, healthy relationship skills, and economic stability.” 

Eligible men are the following:

  • Fathers with biological children, step-children or children currently or expected to be in their care, and
  • Have a child or young adult who is up to 24 years of age (regardless of relationship status), and
  • Are within one year of release from custody.

The program is being provided virtually during the pandemic.  Services will begin to operate from our offices in Inglewood as possible based on public health safety.

To learn more or to find out how to get involved, please do the following:

Join us and become the best dad you can be!

FOLA Stands Against Hate

Posted on by Mary Weaver

Dear Friends,

I had intended to write something about National Women’s Month in general but now must write something more specific to our Asian-American sisters.  I am using this space to condemn racism of all kinds.  I hope that everyone who reads this post will take a moment to ask what they can do in defense of these appalling acts.  Some suggestions I just received from an Asian-American colleague are as follows:

  • Speak out in moments of injustice
  • Check in with your Asian-American friends and family
  • Call your local, state, and federal representatives to see what they are doing to support the Asian community
  • Follow StopAAPIHate on social media

My colleague also provided these resources:

Horrible things happen when “good people do nothing.”  Please take action and please be safe.

Sincerely,

Mary Weaver

Executive Director

Friends Outside LA County

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Lao Tzu

Posted on by Mary Weaver

Dear Friends of Friends Outside:

My mantra for 2021 is “Be the Change you Want to See in the World.”  A former FOLA volunteer, Kathleen Tobin, sent me the following, of unknown authorship:

What if 2020 isn’t cancelled?

What if 2020 is the year we’ve been waiting for?

A year so uncomfortable, so painful, so scary, so raw –

That if finally forces us to grow.

A year that screams so loud, finally awakening us

from our ignorant slumber.

A year we finally accept the need for change.

Declare change.  Work for change.  Become the change.

A year we finally band together, instead of pushing each other further apart.

2020 isn’t cancelled, but perhaps instead

is the most important year of them all.

While still grieving incalculable losses due to COVID, I am concerned that a possible palliative effect of this new year could be a false reassurance that somehow a new year will make our problems disappear.  But, pick a cause, from the criminal justice system, to economic disparity, healthcare disparity, climate change, or a democracy on the edge and scratch the surface.  There is likely at least one concern for which each of us could have done something or done something more.  For example, in 1985, we had a state prison population of 50,000.   By 2005, it was 167,698.  Today it is stands at approximately 115,000.   Average people made this positive change happen by educating the public, unrelenting advocacy, and by voting.

Won’t you  join me in taking a first step of many by supporting and getting actively involved in something you want to change?  Let’s make 2021 and beyond a Happier New Year!

Mary Weaver

Executive Director