Janine Vojtesak

Recent Activity

• 

  Janine signed the petition | 3 months ago

  NIDA and DEA: Stop Blocking Medical Marijuana Research for Treating Veterans with PTSD
• 

  Janine commented on the article | almost 3 years ago

  The View From Inside: Why We Need Prison Reform

  I, like Michael, have had the opportunity to experience the criminal injustice system first hand. After spending several years within the federal correctional system I have gained valuable knowledge on just how ineffective the system is. Today the correctional system desperately lacks major direction, somewhat congruent to a misguided missile heading towards land, full force with the shrapnel, (ex-con) propelled erratically into every crevasse. This institution is far from a well-oiled machine. Corrosion and erosion of the fundamental foundations are quite evident.

  
  

  Correctional institutions, what an oxymoron, were established to punish, protect society, and to rehabilitate. Somehow they missed the most important element, rehabilitation. The question that needs to be addressed is; are these correctional institutions, (prisons and jails) arming released felons with enough education, skills, and rehab, to penetrate the reentry barrier back into society, or rather arming them to implode? I believe the latter. They say experience is the best teacher. I should have a PHD in penology now. Coming from the inside out. I witnessed these deficiencies first hand, and believe me a major overhaul is needed.

  
  

  The issues must be addressed if one wants to win the war against recidivism. With approximately 650, 000 inmates being released a year we need not only to make room for them, but a room that doesn’t contain a metal door and little window. Currently 1 out of 100 people have gone to jail or prison. 90% will be released back into society. The correctional system needs correction. From more effective rehabilitation and education programs, to the most critical, reentry programs.

  
  

  Instead of spending tax dollars on building more prisons, wouldn’t it be wiser to treat the underlying symptoms.  We shouldn't use gauze to mask the wound. It’s time to uncover the wound before it festers. I know there is power in numbers, just look at an algebra equation, but all it takes is one to get the ball rolling, or for me, just one roll of the dice. The dice contained in my new reality based prison board game called PAROLE-BOARD, “The Ultimate Game of Injustice” www.parole-board.com. My game resonates the frivolities and deficiencies of the criminal justice system. Most of all, proceeds will be going towards inmates making that arduous transition back into society. I’ve lived it, and now I’m ready to give it, back to those that need it.

  
  

  
  

• 

  Janine signed the petition | almost 3 years ago

  Stop Marijuana Arrests
• 

  Janine commented on the article | over 3 years ago

  A New Person: The Rehabilitated Criminal

                                                            Hi my number was 52721-019 and I just completed my sentence at a Federal Correctional Facility (Tallahassee) with no paper THANK GOD! I was ready to make this arduous transition back into society, but society wasn't ready for me.  Unfortunately we are stigmatized by society beyond recognition.  I probably would have been more successful going to an interview wearing a ski mask and carrying a duffel bag.  With the internet you can find out about anybody, hopefully it's accurate, mine wasn't. I purchased a criminal background check and to see what comes up and they had me in County vs Federal, my current address was in prison, which I wasn't, and the charges were incorrect.  Who compiles all this information anyways?  Oh yeah, the government.  I soon realized why recidivism is up to almost 70%  I needed to establish a  way to get the word out about how deficient and frivolous the correctional system was, not only that, I had to find a way to generate income.  So I invented and created a reality  prison board game that is riddled with puns, humor, and based on actual events, regulation and sanctions.  This game is called PAROLE-BOARD " The Ultimate Game of Injustice"  Anybody who has done time or been involved with the criminal justice system  can totally relate and appreciate  this game.  It is not only educational but a drinking game if you choose. I am planning on using some of the proceeds to help others coming out of prison.  This game has just been released on the Internet for “goodtime”  The web site is http://www.parole-board.com     I was lucky when I got out due to my family and all the support they have given me.  I know it is extremely difficult to rehabilitate when the programs these correctional institutions offer are so ineffective and society stereotypes.  My game, Parole-Board  “The Ultimate game of Injustice”  will be my vehicle  and others to a successful reintegration.