THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Friday, August 5, 1994                 TAG: 9408050008
SECTION: FRONT                    PAGE: A12  EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Letter 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   33 lines

FAMILY SUPPORT IS VITAL TO PAROLE

On July 27, I attended a meeting sponsored by CURE, the Virginia chapter of a national effort to reduce crime through criminal-justice reform. The public was invited, but only about 15 people attended. More people should care about parole because, as CURE's brochure says, ``Today's inmates are tomorrow's neighbors.''

I have worked for 20 years in the school at Southampton Correctional Center, Capron. I can assure two things:

First, taking away the possibility of parole will increase resentment and hostility among the incarcerated. Positive goals, like parole, education and vocational training, are essential to successful rehabilitation.

Second, people who need to restructure their lives need other people to help them. An important question regarding the July 27 meeting: Where were the family members of those incarcerated? Strong family ties are essential for successful transition from prison to parole and to a good life.

In considering why an inmate's parole might not have succeeded, consider closely the support received from family and friends.

WILLIAM NELSON DAVIS II

Instructor, DCE School

Southampton Correctional Center

Capron, July 29, 1994 by CNB