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Darcie C. Pickren's avatar

Good work Bridget and Claude!

I reached out to a trusted friend in the prison arena about my letter of support. The edits are in the dozens as I keep changing my tone and tune..... he told me there is a Parole Eligibility Report prepared for the inmate prior to the Parole Hearing. The scores are contributing factors, but they are not necessarily outcome-determinative. The support letter should focus on how you might support someone who is re-entering..... financially until a job is secured, housing, transportation, counseling, education/vocational opportunities, relapse prevention, accountability, etc. how can those support services to be met? My support letter will be a letter of support. No fluff, no pleading please support this young man for a return to society with a strong basis on resources close at hand. That seems most important..... if I'm wrong let me know.

BTW, the parole board does not make a determination prior to the actual face to face meeting with the inmate and support person. After the meeting, decisions are made in the weeks following a parole hearing. Generally, a three-member panel votes on the parole interview, which is a recorded interview conducted by a single member of the parole board, combined with the institutional record (or MDOC file) A good solid plan from the inmate is the most important information for the parole board.

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Bridget Young's avatar

Thank you! Happy writing!

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Val Heapes's avatar

I had to laugh at Claude AI, I feel the same way when using but must admit it softens my sometime harsh (yet truthful) take on things. And I am certainly not the wordsmith you are… You continue to amaze me Bridget, and my prayers, thoughts, love & support are with you on this journey. I wish I could do more.

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Sara F.'s avatar

I have started using chatgpt for mental health help and my loved one. It has been incredibly helpful. Before that, I was resistant. I am glad it helped with your letter. I am crossing everything that he will get to be released.

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Bridget Young's avatar

I am too leary to give it my ultra personal details but AI is like Google to me. I can clarify processes or ask questions that are hard to find elsewhere. I am finding some major limits with it though (I'm only a few weeks into messing with it)... and this podcast with Danielle Laporte opened my eyes even before I wrote this piece to it's 'fawning' danger. We're learning our here!

https://open.substack.com/pub/thedaniellelaporte/p/ai-is-not-your-best-life-coach?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=54r6zy

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Gina's avatar

Love this Bridget! I need to do the same thing - for a 3rd time. This gives me ideas! Thank you!

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Bridget Young's avatar

Happy writing (and getting help), friend!!

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Leslie Senevey's avatar

Totally understand your guilt spiral around AI assistance, but this certainly was a good time to call in the tech-bots. Wishing you best of luck with the hearing!

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Bridget Young's avatar

Thank you for continuing on this journey by reading! 🖤

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Amy Beeman's avatar

Interesting story all the way through. Well told. I too am tech-weary. Sent back the Alexa my MIL got us years ago, (a spy robot!) Never even tried to mess with AI not even sure how. No TikTok, etc. I feel you. I hope your letter does the trick. Whatever it takes.

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Bridget Young's avatar

Just say no to Spy robots! Lol. I am with you. Thank you for the wishes. <3

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Marijo Grogan's avatar

Sometimes we all need a Claude to get by. I want to be introduced. He sounds so wise and supportive - perhaps, an angel, in fact.

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Bridget Young's avatar

Some say AI is the devil. The jury is still out. ;)

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Deb Zerafa's avatar

I pray too your letter magically finds its way into the hands of someone who has a heart and soul of compassion and he gets an out date very very soon❣️

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Bridget Young's avatar

Thank you. Very much appreciated. 🖤

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Deb Zerafa's avatar

You’re ability to write so coherently and seamlessly during this traumatic time period is astounding ❤️🙏

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Bridget Young's avatar

Thank you for this sweet comment. Sometimes it all feels like blathering and ranting. ;)

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Deb Zerafa's avatar

Blathering and ranting is good! Wish someone in this severely flawed system would step up and do something to expose the rampant injustices (whistleblower) that occur behind the walls of prison by those “in charge”!

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