Mississippi Southern Develops GOALS Program
•In December 2011, our district held the first graduation for offenders in our reentry court program called “GOALS” (Giving Offenders A Legitimate Shot), which Senior U.S. District Judge Walter J. Gex III and U.S. Probation Officer Doug Petersen established. The program targets offenders who meet certain criteria. Each participant has served an extended term of custody and needs intensive supervision.
•Participants agree to a 12-month commitment to the program, which requires them to participate in and complete certain programs, maintain employment, complete a community service project, remain compliant with all conditions of supervision, and appear for monthly court hearings before Judge Starrett.
•After completing the program, participants are required to complete an additional 12 to 24 months of regular supervision. Upon completion of 24 to 36 months of successful supervision, and depending on the term of supervised release imposed, a participant may qualify for early termination.
•The offenders are grouped according to time of entry into the program. They attend group cognitive-based therapy and support, hold one another accountable, and build a strong commitment and camaraderie.
•For more information about our program, please contact USPO Valencia Dedeaux at 228-563-1860.