The American criminal justice system is an extremly complex and subjective universe, rife with political undertones, packed with procedures, rules and ritual. A system created by society in order to protect society, yet grossly imperfect and incomplete; so imperfect that society becomes the victim of its incomplete design - the very system it created - like a dog chasing its tail. So what is incomplete about it? Imagine if you are one of the millions of people in the U.S with a record. Having that title, you have struggled to get through your court ordered sanctions, paid your dues so to speak and paid your fines etc. Of course, you are also expected to go out and become a model citizen. Of course, that cant happen because the same system designed to protect the our safety has created so many barriers that it makes it difficult, sometimes impossible to do. And society's response? Not my problem. They should have known. Its their fault. I dont deny that I have been there and said that too. I was a cop and being on the front end of the system, I didnt care nor did I know what happened after I had done my part. I never thought about the end of the system, that is, until I was in the system. I also dont deny that some criminals deserve to be in jail. Thats the reality. But what of the people who got tangled up in drugs or booze? What about those who are mentally incapable of even knowing what they did nevermind the consequence? Heres a truth - interview any inmate and you will come up with history and a diagnosis of some sort. What does that tell us? When the system doesn't adapt and allow for a change in a persons environment to succeed, then they wont succeed. They will keep on doing what they do because trying becomes hopeless. Nothing changes because nothing changes. This book talks about that incomplete part - where ex-cons, people on parole and probation and those who have records need to have the ability to move on. Their environment (aka the system) needs to adapt to allow for change, growth and opportunity. There are millions of people out there with criminal records in the United States. Sadly, many of these people have the records due to mental illness, addiction and substance abuse. The author has the unusual credentials of being on both sides of the system. He has seem first hand the systemic failures, seen the lack of treatment, lack of support and lack of true understanding by those in the criminal justice system. Jumping Thru Hoops is a guide to help you think about and plan your next moves with the knowns you have now. Its time to take action. Learn how to simply navigate, explain, expunge, correct or sometimes just accept and live with the fact that the records exsist.
