BROOKE HOUSE

A Program of Community Resources for Justice

MA Parole Board/Halfway Back

Resident Handbook

April 2015

Brooke House

107 Park Drive

Boston, MA 02215

(617) 867-0300

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION

Welcome Message ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1

II. RESIDENT INFORMATION

Arrival …………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………..... 1

Orientation Period ………………………………………………………………………………….…………………. 1-2

Property …………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……. 2

Prohibited Items / Contraband ………………………………………………………………………………………. 2-3

Dress Code ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3

Smoking ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3

Resident Rooms………………………………………………..……………………………………………………… 3-4

Out of Bounds ………………………………….……………………………………………………………………... 4

Room Safety Issues…………………………………………………………………………………..……………….. 4

Inspections/Searches…………………………………….…………………………………………………………... 4

Telephones…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4-5

Mail……………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………. 5

Laundry……………………………………………………………………………... …………………………………. 5

Radios and Televisions……………………………………………………………...... 5

Cell Phones……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5

Money…………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………. 5

Wake-Up Policy……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5

In-House Recreation…………………………………………………………….……………………………………. 5-6

Religious Services……………………………………………………………….…………………………………… 6

Meals…………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………….. 6

Visitors………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………... 6-7

Resident Accountability……………………………………………………….……………………………………… 7

Resident Counts………………………………………………………………………………………………….…… 7-8

Drug/Alcohol Testing……………………………………………………………………………………………..…... 8

Medical Services……………………………………………………………………………………………………... 8

Universal Precautions………………………………………………………………………………………………… 9

HIV………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9-10

Hepatitis B & C…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10

Drug/Alcohol/Mental Health Treatment…………………………………………………………………….10

III. PROGRAM

Case Management……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10

PRAs……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 11

Required Meetings………………………………………………………….………………………………………… 11

In-House Work Details…………………………………………………….…………………………………………. 11

Employment ……………………………………………………………….…………………………………….……. 11-12

Frequently Used Addresses………………………………………………………………………………………….. 12

Savings……………………………... ………………………………………………………………………………….. 12-13

Release……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….... 13

IV. FIRE SAFETY

Fire Drills………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…….. 13

Fire Emergency Evacuation Plan………………………………………..…………………………………………... 13-14

V. RULES AND DISCIPLINE

Resident Conduct…………………………………………………………………………………………………..….. 14

House Rules……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 14

Rule Violations and Sanctions………………………………………………………………………………………... 14-15

Resident Grievance Process…………………………………………………………………………………………. 15

Resident Rights……………………………………………………………………………………………………...... 15-16

Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)………………………………………………………………………………… 16

VI. SUMMARY

Community Resources for Justice…………………………………………………………………………………… 16

Resident Acknowledgement Form…………………………………………………………………………..………. 17

Authorization to Release Resident Property………………………………………………………………………… 18

I. INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Brooke House

Brooke House, a program of Community Resources for Justice (CRJ), is a 65 bed facility which serves as a pre-release program for male inmates from the Suffolk & Norfolk County House of Correction, the Massachusetts Department of Corrections, and also as a Reentry housing program for parolees referred by the Massachusetts Parole Board. Please note that this means there are other individuals at the program who are following a different set of regulations. As residents are still serving their sentence while at the Brooke House, they are subject to the rules and limitations set by the Contracting Agencies and Brooke House. The purpose of the program is to give residents an opportunity to begin addressing the issues in their life so that they can move on to a positive, successful transition in the community. Program staff will work with you to assist you in reaching your goals, all the while monitoring your behavior and day to day activities. This handbook explains the entire program and can serve as a quick reference. If you have any questions, please contact your assigned Case Manager or the program staff.

The staff at Brooke House is here to encourage you, monitor your progress, and assist you in your efforts, but ultimately it is up to you. Make the most of this opportunity to demonstrate responsible behavior. Keep a positive outlook. If you have questions or concerns, please ask a program monitor supervisor, case manager, and or the directors of the program. Please retain this handbook as a reference during your stay. We hope that your stay at Brooke House will be productive and rewarding! All residents should take the time to develop a plan for their success. Everyone is expected to adhere to the following guiding core values:

Be Respectful,Be Responsible,Be Productive andBe Patient.

II. RESIDENT INFORMATION

Arrival

When you first arrive at Brooke House, several things will happen on your first day:

  • You will wait in the Day Room on the 1st floor until a staff member completes an Orientation session, during which time this handbook and the rules of the program will be reviewed with you.
  • You will be assigned a room and a bed, and issued linens
  • Your property will be inventoried
  • You will be assigned a Case Manager, who will meet with you for individual intake within 72 hours of your arrival
  • You will be given a tour of the building

Please note that your new address is:Brooke House

107 Park Drive

Boston, MA 02215

Business Phone: (617) 867-0300

*This address should also be reflected on your Mass I.D.

Orientation Period

Upon admission to the program, residents are placed on Orientation Status for 72 hours from your arrival, during which time you are required to stay in the building. The purpose of this time period is to give you the opportunity to orient yourself to the building and the program, to familiarize yourself with the policies which will apply to your stay with us, and to meet staff, specifically your Case Manager. All residents are expected to participate in a full time productive activity – that is a full time job, full time education/training program, or a combination of both. This means that you are expected to develop an ambitious, yet realistic, schedule of activities that will move you towards achieving your goals. All activities must be pre-approved and verified by your Case Manager.

During orientation, you will be assigned a Case Manager who will conduct an intake and assessment with you in order to identify your needs and goals. A treatment plan or individual service plan will subsequently be developed and tailored to meet your individual needs and goals. You will be directly involved in the creation of this plan, as will your family, if appropriate. This plan may include housing and vocational referrals, job search, medical appointments, substance abuse counseling, etc.

Property

Upon your arrival staff will inventory your property. Any additional property will be approved by your Case Manager ONLY. Any items being allowed into the building must be approved on a property sheet and signed by your Case Manger. These limits are set due to space considerations in the resident rooms. Items allowed in resident rooms:

ClothingMiscellaneous Linens (Brooke House Issued)

10 underwear (thermal included) 1 Television (up to13 inches) 2 sheets

10 undershirts (thermal included)1 Alarm clock1 blanket

10 pair of socks1 MP3 Player1 bedspread

10 tee shirts1 headphones1 pillow

5 shirts15 Assorted Toiletries 2 towels

5 Trousers1 Book Bag2 face cloths

2 belts1 Umbrella 1 Wallet 1 extension cord

2 Sweat short/sweatpants/sweatshirts1 Fan

2 sweaters

2 suits/Ties/Sport coatJewelry

5 work uniforms1 Watch

2 coats 1 Ring

5 pair of shoes/sneakers/shower shoes 1 Bracelet Medic Alert

4 hats1 Necklace

2 pr gloves2 Earrings (ears only)

1 pajama

1 bathrobe

Please note that Brooke House staff is not responsible for personal property of any type. Residents are strongly advised not to bring any valuable items to the program. Your relatives may bring in items such as clothing, hygiene items, money, etc., ONLY AFTER IT HAS BEEN APPROVED BY YOUR CASE MANAGER. If you are planning on receiving additional property via Fed Ex, UPS, etc., you must list these items on a Property Form.

Prohibited Items / Contraband

The following items are prohibited:

  • Alcohol
  • Cigarettes, e-cigarettes, lighters, or matches
  • iPods/mp3 players (with internet capabilities)
  • Computers or tablets
  • Weapons
  • Drugs or drug paraphernalia
  • Incense or candles
  • Cleaning products labeled “corrosive”, "toxic”, “caustic”, or “flammable”, aerosol cans, etc.
  • Pornographic magazines, DVDs, videos, nude or semi-nude posters or pictures
  • Heating elements (hot plates, heaters, and coffee makers)
  • Any personal furniture
  • Incense, candles
  • Colored light bulbs or light bulbs more than 60 watts
  • Video games (including portable gaming systems, such as PSP, Nintendo DS, etc.)
  • Cameras
  • Supplements, unless otherwise prescribed by a physician
  • Debit cards, credit cards, and EBT cards
  • "Home made" TV or radio antennas. TV sets may not have broken exterior casings and no frayed or spliced wires.
  • Contraband items (cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, etc)
  • Plastic milk crates or storage containers
  • Cellphones, cellphone accessories (including chargers), or other electronic communication devices
  • Extension cords, power strips, multi-plug adapters
  • Cardboard boxes, shoeboxes
  • Unauthorized linens (not issued by Brooke House)
  • Over-the-counter medications (i.e. Visine, Nyquil, etc.)
  • Any beverage, medication, or hygiene product containing alcohol
  • Any other item deemed inappropriate or prohibited by program staff

Any items deemed contraband or prohibited, which are confiscated by staff will not be returned.

Dress Code

Residents are expected to be fully and appropriately clothed at all times when outside of their rooms. This means that residents are not permitted to wear tank tops, flip-flops/shower shoes, pajamas, or bathrobes (except when coming out of the shower) while outside of their rooms. In addition, residents are not permitted to wear hats, wave caps, or any other head coverings while in any of the common areas of the building. Sunglasses are not to be worn at any time while in the building. All dress must be appropriate when leaving the building as well. Residents are also required to be clothed and/or adequately covered when sleeping.

Smoking

Brooke House is a non-smoking facility. Smoking is not permitted at any time in the building. Any residents who are found to be smoking in the building will be subjected to disciplinary action and potentially returned to higher custody. Cigarettes, cigars, lighters, matches, or any other smoking materials are considered contraband and strictly prohibited at all times while in the building.

Resident Rooms

Residents are not allowed in the rooms of other residents or on different floors. Residents may not have visitors in their rooms. Residents may change rooms only with the prior permission of the Program Director or Assistant Director. The furniture in resident rooms is not to be re-arranged without permission. Resident rooms and all common areas must be clean and neat at all times: All residents must comply with the “Room Decorum Standards”

  • Beds must be made up by 8:00 AM. Residents departing on work release must have their beds made prior to exiting the building. Pillow, sheets, and blanket are to be neatly covered by a bed spread. During the day, with the exception of those residents working an overnight shift, residents may only lie on top of the made bed without disturbing the bedspread.
  • All wastebaskets must be emptied daily. All empty soda, water, drink containers must not be stored in the room.
  • Floors are to be swept, mopped and room dusted daily.
  • Weekly: the wardrobes and beds are to be moved and the areas cleaned. Walls, window sills and windows are to be washed. BEDS AND WARDROBES ARE NOT TO BE REARRANGED.
  • ALL clothing and cosmetics must be stored neatly in the wardrobe closet. Clothing items may not be hanging from the beds, and the top off all wardrobe closets must be cleared. All footwear is to be stored in the wardrobe or at the foot of the bed. The current property inventory on Brooke House SecurManage system MUST match property quantities in the room.
  • In keeping with the need to conserve energy, residents are responsible for turning off lights, radio, TVs, fans etc. when not in use or when not in the room.
  • No posters or pictures are to be hung up in the rooms.
  • Only one six-foot extension cord is allowed per resident and is not to be overloaded or connected to another extension cord. Spliced wiring is not allowed.
  • No cleaning supplies, spray bottles chemicals, etc are to be stored in rooms.
  • Emergency Exits are to be accessible and free of any obstructions (including furniture or personal belongings)

Room inspections will be conducted on a daily basis, excess property is not allowed. At 10:00 PM, residents must be in their assigned rooms (exceptions: emergencies, out to work, doing details) and lights are out at 12:00 midnight.

Out of Bounds Areas

The following are the areas which are off limits to residents unless accompanied by staff for a specific purpose (e.g. cleaning detail):

  • Any staff office without staff being present in the room
  • The staff lounge
  • Any resident room other than the room to which they are assigned
  • Any residential floors they do not live on (except to meet with their Case Manager)
  • Inside the Kitchen (without specific permission from staff)
  • Inside any of the storage areas of the program
  • Loitering in the lobby, on the stairs, in front of the building, or on the front steps
  • The rear stairwell above the first floor unless instructed by staff to perform a specific task or evacuating the building during a fire emergency
  • Fire safety doors

Room Safety Issues

The following guidelines are provided for the personal safety of residents and the safety of the program:

  • Any electrical appliance (shaver, hair dryer, fan, etc.) should be unplugged when not in use
  • Do not leave any appliance connected to an outlet in close proximity to a water source in the bathroom (toilet, sink, shower, etc.)
  • Residents are not allowed to bring in their own furniture
  • Do not hang clothing, towels or other items from any pipes, cords, bed frames, or other inappropriate places
  • Do not remove light bulbs, and always notify staff immediately of any electrical or other problems in your room

Inspections/Searches

There will be regular inspections of resident rooms and common areas by staff for cleanliness and contraband items. As residents enter and leave the building, staff will inspect bags and packages. Pat searches of residents are required. Any resident or his property is subject to search by staff at ANYTIME while in the building. Refusing a search is grounds for disciplinary action.

Telephones

Residents may use the pay telephones on the 4th and 5th floors, between the hours of 5PM and 10PM. The phone calls must be limited to 15 minutes. The Day Room phones will be accessible all day. RESIDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO USE THE FRONT DESK PHONES FOR ANY REASON. Messages for residents will only be taken at the front desk for job-related or emergency reasons only. Residents are responsible for checking the board at the front desk periodically for messages pertaining to them. If you have another phone number to provide potential employers for messages (e.g. family member’s home number), it is suggested that it be provided as a contact number for employers.

Mail

Residents may receive mail at the facility. Staff will inspect mail and distribute it on a daily basis. Any packages, or other items that may warrant it, must be opened by the resident at the Front Desk in the presence of a staff member. Mail correspondence between residents of the program and inmates at any other correctional facility is not permitted.

Laundry

Residents are required to wash their sheets and pillow cases at least weekly. Residents can either take their laundry home during a PRA or to the designated Laundromat in the Brooke House neighborhood. Sign-out for the Laundromat is on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 am – 10:45 am. The last load should be in by 930 am. Residents are responsible for picking a day to do laundry, and MAY NOT go on both days.

Radios & Television

Residents are permitted to have their own television in their room; however, TVs larger than 13” are not permitted. Additionally, there will be a $25.00 refundable deposit for all T.V’s entering the program which will be returned upon release once the television has been removed from the program. Radios and televisions must not be loud enough to be heard outside of a resident’s room. All televisions and radios are to be turned off after midnight. No resident radios or televisions are allowed in common areas. Televisions or radios with home made antennas, broken exterior casings, or frayed/spliced wires are not permitted, and will be removed. Residents are expected to respect one another’s space and not be too loud while in the house– this includes yelling on the stairs or from room to room.

Cell Phones

Parole residents are permitted to having a cell phone and must leave it at the front desk when returning to the program. Parole residents may only have one cell phone, and are required to submit the telephone number and cell phone type to their case workers. If the Brooke House calls your phone and you do not answer, you will lose your cell phone privileges. Residents on Parole are the only residents at the Brooke House with cell phone privileges, and you may not under any circumstances let other residents use your phone. No one is allowed to use your phone except you. If a resident misses an accountability call (call on arrival, check-in, or call on departure, the Brooke House staff will call the resident’s cell phone. If the resident does not answer, they will lose their cell phone privileges for 24 hours. If it happens a second time, they will lose their cell phone privileges for 48 hours. If a resident misses an accountability call for the third time, they will lose all of their cell phone privileges. Please note, however, that accountability calls must be made from a landline.

Money

Residents may not lend or borrow money from one another, or from staff. Money may be dropped off to a resident at the front desk, with a staff member present. Residents cannot have more than $50.00 on their person at any given time. Any resident funds above the $50.00 limit will be stored in the safe by the Program Director or Assistant Director. Residents will also be required to open up a passbook savings account during their stay at Brooke House. Additionally, money acquired or earned at the Brooke House through employment should be used for re-entry purposes only.

Wake-up Policy

All residents in the building must be awake and dressed, have made their beds, and report to the dining area by 8:00 AM for the morning count. Exceptions to this are only made to accommodate resident work hours. The responsibility for getting up on time rests with the resident.

In-House Recreation

All residents are invited to use the Day Room located on the first floor of the facility during the following times:

  • Sunday – Thursday: 09:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Friday, Saturday 9:00AM to 11:00 PM
  • Holidays- 09:00AM to 10PM

There is a TV, a collection of books, and board and card games for residents to use. All residents are expected to show maturity and respect in their language, behavior, and actions while in the Day Room area. Food and beverages are permitted, however the area is to be kept neat and clean at all times. The Day Room may also be used for visits by resident family and guests during approved visiting times. During visiting hours, residents who are not receiving visits are not permitted to be in the Day Room. Failure to keep this area clean or to abide by any of the rules governing its use can result in staff closing it at any time.