The holidays are a time for family, friends, and loved ones. But for families with loved ones in the criminal justice system, the holidays can be a time of stress and worry. How do you prepare when your loved one is up for parole during the holidays? What do you say to them? How do you handle the stress of waiting to hear whether they will be released? In this blog post, we will provide tips and advice on preparing for the holiday season when your loved one is up for parole.
First and foremost, it’s important to remember that this is a difficult time for you and your loved one. Being up for parole can be an anxious experience, so take the time to talk with your loved one before the holiday season begins. Allow them to express their feelings and fears about the upcoming process. Listen without judgment and offer emotional support if they need it. Talk openly to ease any tension or stress either of you may feel.
When deciding how to handle your day-to-day activities during this time, remember that family traditions are important too — don’t feel like you have to sacrifice celebrating the holidays just because of the current situation. However, it’s also important to establish boundaries. For instance, if your loved one is up for parole, it might be better to hold off on planning any trips or major outings until after the results of the parole hearing are known. This will help ensure that you don’t end up in a situation where you cannot travel due to an unexpected change in plans.
It’s also important to ensure that you have other sources of support during this time — family members, friends, and even professionals such as counselors or therapists can provide emotional guidance. If your loved one is denied parole during the holidays (or at any other time), it’s important to remember that options are still available; they may be eligible for early release programs or sentence commutations depending on the state of their case.
Finally, it’s essential to remember that your loved one’s parole hearing is out of your hands. The best thing you can do is remain as calm and supportive as possible during this time and focus on being a source of strength for your loved one — no matter the outcome.
We hope these tips have helped prepare you and your family for the holidays when your loved one is up for parole. Best wishes to you all!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post should not replace professional legal advice or assistance from a licensed attorney. If in doubt, please consult with an appropriate expert before taking any actions based on the content of this blog post.
