The PA Prisons and Parole Podcast

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Episode 18: Personal Growth Program Evaluation (Amber Petkus)
In this episode, we discuss a recently completed evaluation of the Personal Growth program for technical parole violators. The guest on the show is Dr. Amber Petkus, joint post-doctoral fellow with Penn State University and the PA Department of Corrections. We also talk with Dr. Petkus about her experience as a post-doc at the PA DOC. She reflects on her time with us as she prepares to move on.
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Guidelines for a Successful Visit
Visiting incarcerated loved ones can be an intimidating process—but it doesn’t have to be! The key to a successful visit is to be prepared and know what to expect. In this episode of the PA Prisons and Parole Podcast, SCI Camp Hill Sgt. Lopez breaks down the visiting experience for visitors, including how to set up a visit, what to bring, what to wear, how to visit with kids, and so much more. For full details on visiting one of our facilities, visit our website: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/cor/inmate-visitation
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Episode 17: PADOC Evaluations of TCs, SIP-HOPE, and Residential Relocation
In this episode we revisit three previously conducted evaluations by the PA Department of Corrections: 1) Therapeutic Communities (TCs); 2) the SIP-HOPE pilot program; and 3) a residential relocation pilot program. These evaluations highlight the use of multiple rigorous evaluation methodologies (randomized controlled trial, regression discontinuity, and propensity score matching) for attempting to understand the real causal impact of these initiatives/programs. On this episode you’ll learn more about these three initiatives/programs, the findings from the evaluations, and what the implications are for policy and practice.
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What to Know About the Reception Process
It can be a very challenging time for family members and friends when a loved one is incarcerated—especially at the beginning. To help answer some common questions about the reception process, SCI Camp Hill Corrections Classification Treatment Manager Miranda Brechbiel joins the podcast to discuss what in-processing is like for incarcerated individuals. Camp Hill is the reception facility for male inmates, and Miranda explains how reception works, including when inmates can make phone calls, what they bring from the county jails, and so much more. The best resource for families and friends of inmates is our website: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/cor/resources/for-family-and-friends
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Coding and Corrections: How The Last Mile Prepares Inmates for Careers in Computers
A successful reentry hinges on securing a job, so many of the reentry efforts in the Department of Corrections are focused on teaching incarcerated individuals useful job skills for when they get out. While many are in traditional trades, SCI Pine Grove began a new partnership with The Last Mile to teach inmates a unique yet highly valuable skill: computer coding. In this episode, TLM Executive Director Kevin McCracken joins the show to discuss what his organization is, why it does what it does, and how teaching inmates coding prepares them for reentry success. From its roots in California to its new program at Pine Grove, TLM is a one-of-a-kind vocational program that is dedicated to reducing recidivism and helping reentrants thrive upon release—whether in coding or other fields.
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About The PA Prisons and Parole Podcast

The PA Prisons Podcast takes you inside the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections to hear first-hand accounts about the programs and policies in state facilities. Episodes will feature people who work with the incarcerated and reentry populations of Pennsylvania to give you an inside look at corrections in the Keystone state.

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