That is a tough decision, but here are my thoughts. I am assuming that you want peace and harmony in your neighborhood and you do want the neighbors to understand the situation.

Since they will find out anyway with all the flyers and notifications, do you want them to find out from you---where you will have a chance to explain what really happened on your terms---- or when they are hit with a notification from the state that a "Sexually VIOLENT PREDATOR" has moved into the neighborhood?

At least this give you a chance to talk to them and tell your husband's side of the story.

I would not go to everyone, but I would talk to my closer neighbors. If you don't, there is a real chance that the SVP label will scare them half to death and make them really dislike your husband and your family. I don't need to tell you what fear does to people.

The SVP designation might make them think of your husband as the sexual equivalent of Jack The Ripper or Ted Bundy if you don't tell them first.

Personally, I would not do a thing, as I don't care what other people think, but you have a family to protect, so I understand you want to get along with the neighbors.

My two cents. Others may disagree and I can see both sides of the coin here.

BTW, Good Luck to both of you and I am so happy that you can be together again.

rewdiazepam

Just a question, how can he be called a SVP with a CP charge. Never heard of that. Are all called that?

Was this state or federal?

Was there a bad static 99 or psycho-sexual evaluation?

Was it possession or production/distribution?

Sounds awful harsh.....

I'm surprised too they label him as a SVP for a CP charge. I haven't had to deal with this, but personally, I would talk to your neighbors, but I would also set up video monitoring just in case, for when he comes home.

would this be the same as thinking that all sex crimes are 'violent'?

and one of the reasons that kelly can't go to a camp.

Echo,

I believe the SVP is a designation that is used in only certain states. Each state has its own criteria for determining if an offender is a SVP. There are some states that do not even have that designation; they might use the term "aggravated" or "habitual" offenders instead of SVP.

The reason Kelly cannot go to a camp is because many camp's security is so lax that they fear a sex offender would run off and commit a sex offense. When I was in prison a sex offender was never eligible for any security below minimum, which included work release. The irony is that the last prison I was at did not even have a fence.

Sex offences are considered violent offenses in their application for security purposes.

rewdiazepam

A side comment: as a combat veteran, my man can't go to a camp either because he's "professionally" violent.

These laws amaze me for their stupidity. To label so many people who wouldn't hurt anyone. I can't think of any time in our history where so many lives are ruined.
No other person getting out of prison ever has to deal with this kind of crap. Can anyone think of anything in our history that this kind of barbaric steps taken when someone has already spent time in prison?

We had a good day yesterday at Martial arts class, but even as I dropped my son off he was depressed because he says he can't have real friends and dating scares him to death. Telling others that he's a sex offender has just ruined his life. I'm just amazed at this bull every single day.

His charges were for possession, at the county level. His case was reviewed by a court appointed licensed psychologist using the DSM V manual, (my husband had the option to be interviewed by him, but our lawyer advised against it). I am not sure of the criterion used from the DSM (I can't seem to find this anywhere...if anyone knows where it is I am interested in seeing it) but basically the psychologist goes through a checklist, reviews the file, and determines the status. We had a hearing to fight it, but in the end the judge stood by the psychologists recommendation. We could have appealed it, but we have already put out an extraordinary amount of money...only to have my husband have to serve time and be stuck with this life time label.

This entire thing is a nightmare, and beyond frustrating and upsetting. Too many lives are being impacted by these laws, and I pray that somewhere down the road the laws will change, and my family will be able to move forward with some peace. In the meantime, I am trying my hardest to create a peaceful environment for all of us. I am nervous about speaking with the neighbors, but I think if I have a chance to speak, they may be supportive or at least less likely to cause us more hardship. It saddens me that this will be part of our lives forever.

As a side note -his PO called me to schedule a home visit, and she was shocked to hear that he was given the SVP label. I am curious about how this next level of the legal system will play out.

CarlCK,

Here is a link that will allow you to download the FULL DSM-5 manual.

The download is a 30 mb pdf file, so depending on your internet connection it may take a couple of minutes to download.

Save it to your hard drive, then open the file with Adobe Reader.

Happy reading as it is 970 pages.

http://tinyurl.com/mjthszy

If you have any problems, message me.

rewdiazepam

what a crock to put all sex offenders in that category! this country, the laws and judicial system is so F'd up!

Thanks, rewdiazepam. I have access to the manual, I am just not sure which diagnoses/sections are used in compiling the checklist for SVP criteria. Does anyone know?

Im sorry but can I ask what is SVP

sexually violent predator

I agree with Rew, which I usually do. I would only tell the closest neighbors or maybe any others that you feel need to hear from you first. Thank goodness when my son gets out the neighbors will not be notified. I was also worried about that.