Faery. That is exactly how our therapist is. He focuses on life issues, and other important areas. He also has connections to companies that would hire SOs and/or Ex-Felons, so I see it as something positive. The money issue is a somewhat big deal, though, and we are hoping for an earlier end for that reason, too. So, the PO can decide at some point that he can be taken off probation early? Will the therapist have a say in this, too?

I was in therapy with the same therapists that Nako's son is. I did it for three years. It was helpful in giving me life direction and dealing with the PTSD that worsened in prison.
Nako, I can tell you that Tim does not believe in the value of polys. That may help.
As for you son's crime, he plead guilty. Actual guilt has no bearing in the eyes of the Feds. It is a very wrong fact.

coolrich, my son see's Chris, but they both share the same office.
Chris believes that the 1 count cp was an accidental download. I guess we'll deal with a poly if that comes into play.
I expect it will take about 2 weeks for the court here in PA to get his case and then my lawyer will go and try to talk the judge into no treatment as well. My son has stopped 'treatment'. At first the PO insisted he go and now he said my son doesn't have to until PA says he does.. and we misunderstood him.. we didn't. . so we're waiting again to see if it will be mandatory in his probation.

I don't know Chris. Tim worked alone when I saw him. They probably have the same sentiments if they work together.
BTW, POs are not used to "clients" that have a strong, outspoken support system. I think he is off balance and therefore scared.

I think POs aren't used to people who have money to pay for lawyers.. I agree . . I think he's a bit scared and it's something he hasn't had to deal with.

When we were in his office Tuesday he mentioned something about health insurance and I said I couldn't afford it.. He kept telling me I could. But I told him it would cost me about $700/month because I'm not poor but in the middle / high income bracket. I make about 80K a year. I don't see that money because it pays for attorneys and living in Fishtown.
He seems a bit surprised that we weren't poor.

I know when they search computers for cp they aim their software at the poor parts of town and my son was living there at the time. The Feds have control over demographics of computer searches. They know if they hook a rich person they're not going to have an easy time of it.

... We like Chris. A younger guy but he seems intelligent, open minded and seems his heart is in the right place.

Just keep at it Nako. I hope your son realizes how lucky he is to have you for a mom.

I'm lucky to have him for a son. ;)

my hub has to go 4 times month 65.00 week and now we have his poly coming up 175.00 and stupid annual registration fee so hae to pay every year in ten its 150 .00 we going to have to borrow from his boss just to do the poly and oh yah we got Obama care too so the govt takes more out of us mandatory . plus registration tags blah blah all in one month , this is crazy , anyways when my hub does mandatory counceliing they never gave him a set time period and that therapist told the group that some she will never let out , u wonder if its for her pocket or what ?
im glad some got told how long they have to go wish that happened for us my hub going on 5 yrs now counceling .but when hes very sick she allows him be excused which should be people right anyways .

Mtbfan My hubby was on county probation an we're in PA, so take that into consideration but at least at that level in my state yes, the PO can let you off early as long as the therapist is good with it and all fees are paid up

Federal: 2 x week. One for 1 on 1 and one for group therapy. I believe most of the craziness is based on how much money can be gained.

Oh, they said for 18-24 months and then every month for the until the end of his supervised release which is 15 years. Yep, it is all about money.

It is ironic how corrections have flip-flopped since I was in.

I was in prison in the 1990's. Back then, everyone was fighting to make probation as part of their sentence, as probation or parole was so easy. Usually it entailed going to the PO talking for five minutes, maybe filling out a report, and paying your monthly fee. No polys, no psychologists, no drug tests, etc. I think the monthly fee at that time was $40/month.

There were no private prisons back then, but that changed along with the provisions of parole or probation.

Those "amenities"---polys, group treatment, etc.---- have been added when the government began running the probation system as a money making criminal enterprise.

As far as corrections back then, things were so much simpler and more clear cut. A guy could go to prison and discharge his entire sentence while in prison---which most did---to avoid any paper time.

I really empathize with the guys and their families today having to deal with this mess.

rewdiazepam

Life time in my state! The money adds up!

Lifetime? Wow.. How do they expect these RSOs to live normal lives.. because that's what they want right? They want the RSO to make a living and support a family, etc.

No, they don't want to help RSOs. They are supposed to, at least that is what their "job description" says, but it seems like they are taking this opportunity to play out their power over these "bad" people. It is, like Rew said, a business that is only in it for the money. It really is a shame since this whole "punishment" way past time being served is not only NOT helping the "offender", it is actually harming society who won't get their "rehabilitated" offenders. I am shocked that society is not taking a stand to end this craziness for the sake of society. We could all win in this if people just opened their eyes and read the statistics. The revolving doors are getting faster and faster. Not because more crimes happen necessarily but because men and women get sent back to prison or jail for nonsense violations. Society! Wake Up!