Families of SOs Community Group
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I'm new to this support group thing. I originally thought I had to be a sex offender to be on here that's why it says Male on my profile but I am actually his fiance. He will be released within 6 months after serving 4 yrs in prison for violation probation if you want to call it that. "They threw the book at him" during probation which was supposed to be 10 yrs he was given 2 pages front and back of guidelines to follow and that was even after a year which he had already violated some unknowingly. Blah blah, so be it, he's been in prison almost 4 years now. My concern is when he gets out. I am scared to death that we won't be able to find temporary housing ie:shelter for him since my apt complex will deff not accept him. I'm scared that we won't be able to find a house he can live in with me. I'm scared that even though my childrens father knows him and accepts him living in the home with us (his offense was hooking up with an unknown minor at a frat party in college) that somehow there will still be issues with my children. I'm scared he won't find work and be able to be stable or help support the household. I am always upbeat and encouraging to him but these are the things I hide from him, my true fears.
You can also reach out to Texas Voices, they are an advocacy group for offenders and their loved ones. They may be able to assist you in finding something.
First, probation has to approve him living with minors, if his offense is against a minor. That is a stipulation in every county I know of in Texas. If he is in therapy, the therapist usually requires you to go through a class with them, and then the PO will sign off on you being a "chaperon"
Second, to find an approximate place to live: ThoughtAsWeak is correct, look at the map of the county you are living in on the DPS site. It will show you where all the other offenders live and give you an idea of where you should look. Apartments may allow him, I know some do. It just depends on the management company. Your best bet for housing is finding someone that is renting out their house. Property management companies usually do background checks, and with single people its easier to be more level with them and they tend to be a bit more lenient.
Shelters may accept him, it just depends on the shelter. I'm not very familiar with them. I know some of the one's near where I am have accepted them. Although they have been case by case and the probation department had to approve it.
For work, Texas is a little weird I've noticed for those with records. If he can do manual labor (ie yard work, has some construction or concrete experience) start there. Corporate companies usually don't hire them, although I know of some guys that do work for corporations. Small businesses are your best bet. Also, any job is better than no job. Even if he makes practically nothing he has something to put on his resume or applications. Its going to be hard at first, but he will be able to build up from there. My ex started small and now has a full time, pretty well paying job. All of his jobs have been family owned places, and some led to better jobs.
Everything you are feeling is very normal, and I have felt them too (minus the children, I don't have kids) I usually would think myself to death and make things worse than they actually were. Things were rough, but not as bad as I though they would be.