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  • The Financial Responsibility Program (FRP)

    The Financial Responsibility Program (FRP)
    2025/12/15
    In this week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan explore a new topic, the financial responsibility program (FRP), a part of earning FSA credits. Susan sets the stage for this topic by discussing its history and outlining how funds are collected based on the established criteria. They also explore how courts and the federal prison system work together to collect those funds. Susan also clarifies which funding sources are permitted and may be used to pay the dues required by the financial program. Examples include employment and family. Halfway through the program, Bruce and Susan discuss the limitations of the current system and explore potential changes to improve efficiency. Susan explains how system factors can affect time credits and how inmates may not receive them due to missed payments. This is an information-dense episode, but it is full of crucial insights to help navigate the financial responsibility program. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE
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    55 分
  • The First Step Act in Details

    The First Step Act in Details
    2025/12/08
    On this episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan review several concepts related to the First Step Act and explain the finer details of the act. This is a section they explore in their books, which are shared below. One branch of the First Step Act they review is Risk Level Assessment and how it has changed since 2019 and during COVID-19. Bruce further explains the difference between static and dynamic risk factors and how they impact inmates and their assessment level. Halfway through the program, Susan outlines specific criteria used to filter inmates and explains factors that increase or reduce risk. This episode is full of finer details that are crucial to Risk Assessment and very helpful for navigating this portion of the First Step Act. More information is available from Bruce and Susan's Federal Prison Books. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE
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    55 分
  • CNN Interview, Time Credits

    CNN Interview, Time Credits
    2025/11/17
    In this week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan open with Susan's recent interview with CNN, the context of what she spoke about, and why understanding the entire story is important. Next, they go over time credits and the steps to ensure inmates receive them and don’t miss out due to not understanding the process. Susan and Bruce also elaborate on the sentencing process and when it starts and ends. A point discussed throughout the 2nd half of the program is conspiracy cases and how they differ from regular cases. Towards the end, Bruce and Susan promote a new book they are releasing early next year and hope to help inmates and their families during the 5-factor review. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE
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    55 分
  • Release Procedures for Inmates

    Release Procedures for Inmates
    2025/11/10
    On this episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan delve into topics that have not been previously covered on the show. The first topic on the show is release procedures for inmates. Bruce and Susan go through the details and rules that must be followed for an inmate to be released. Side note: Prisons will provide release clothing for the inmate. Susan also reviews the transportation and financial aspects of being released, as well as what inmates and their families need to know about these aspects of their release. Towards the second half of the episode, Susan reviews medical issues and the policies associated with transportation in a halfway house, as well as those related to being released. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE
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    55 分
  • Client Self-Efficacy

    Client Self-Efficacy
    2025/11/03
    On this episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan open the episode on a slightly different note. They explore the topic of client self-efficacy, which is a form of client empowerment. There are numerous people involved and countless moving parts in the Federal Prison System, and Bruce and Susan explore how keeping the client educated and empowered is essential. However, they do examine the limitations of what clients can and can’t do within the system. Susan shares a story of a client who was able to speed up the process by educating themselves and not relying solely on others. After exploring what a client can do, Susan shifts to discussing what impacts eligibility and pursuing remedies towards the end of the program. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE
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    55 分
  • Advocate for Families and Inmates

    Advocate for Families and Inmates
    2025/10/27
    In this week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan begin by discussing the story of Todd Crisley, who has navigated the federal prison system and is now an advocate for families and inmates. He has been featured on podcasts discussing his story and how he came to do the work he does today. Bruce and Susan also delve into recent updates to the FSA and home confinement, examining the BOP's new video on the FSA calculation process. Towards the end of the show, Susan reviews a new article released by the director of the FSA about classification practices, which aims to assist both staff and inmates within the system. This episode highlights the benefits that come with the change in the FSA and also raises additional topics that warrant further exploration in the future. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE
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    55 分
  • The Designation Process

    The Designation Process
    2025/09/29
    In this week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan begin by discussing the changing season from summer to fall and introduce a new topic: the designation process for inmates. Through the first half of the episode, Susan works through the details and requirements set up by the Bureau. To help wrap up the show, Susan goes over the transfer process for inmates. This is an information-heavy episode on a new topic, but Bruce and Susan have a collection of books listeners can check out after listening to each episode. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE
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    55 分
  • Halfway House Qualifications

    Halfway House Qualifications
    2025/09/22
    On this episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan begin by answering viewer questions, ensuring a thorough response while keeping the explanation clear and understandable. The main topic explored through viewer questions is the qualifications for a halfway house during the transition. After spending some time on this topic, Susan and Bruce transition to case management and suggest ways for inmates and their families to help themselves, as well as behaviors to avoid. They also explain the differences between halfway housing and home confinement. To wrap up the episode, Bruce and Susan explore court and case processing, which can have specific requirements for inmates in a particular state/city. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE
    続きを読む 一部表示
    55 分