System and method for reducing recidivism and aid in transition from a structured living situation to a less structured situation

• US 8,659,434 B2
• Filed: 10/31/2007
• Issued: 02/25/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 11/29/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Joan Sanger
• Original Assignee: Joan Sanger
• Inventors: Sanger, Joan
• Primary Examiner(s): Mehmood, Jennifer
• Assistant Examiner(s): POINT, RUFUS C
• Application Number:
  US11/932,717
• Publication Number:
  US 20080122613A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,309 Days
• Field of Search: 340/573.4, 340/573.1, 340/573.3
• US Class Current: 340/573.3
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management

Abstract

Electronic systems and methods provide services in real time and in a user'"'"'s language to aid transition from a structured environment into a less structured situation and reduce recidivism in released criminal offenders. Embodiments also include systems and methods for improved outcomes for subjects in transition from a structured living situation into a less structured or free society environment, such as subjects in transition out of a hospital, educational institution or military service.

Claims

1. An electronic system for reducing the probability for recidivism for an offender, comprising a portable electronic device for use by the offender, wherein the device comprises:

a processor, a computer readable memory, software instructions embedded in the computer readable memory, an output device, and an antenna for receiving wireless transmissions;

wherein the device provides real time output of services directed to the offender'"'"'s location and related to at least one of finding and keeping employment; and

wherein the output provides assistance to the offender to reduce the probability of recidivism for the offender.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising global positioning system and mapping software.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the output device comprises an audio driver program and a speaker for audio output, and wherein the audio output is available in a plurality of languages.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the output comprises audio or audio and video messages offering advice, encouragement, or testimonials from the offender'"'"'s peers.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the output includes warnings when the electronic device is approaching an undesirable area, or notifications when the electronic device is approaching a location of beneficial services.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the device further provides real time output of services related to health care, drug or alcohol counseling.

7. A method for reducing the probability of recidivism in an offender after release from a penal institution or placement on probation comprising:

providing a portable electronic device to the offender containing a database of services that are chosen for the individual offender and are output by the portable device at preselected times or locations, and wherein the services are effective to reduce the probability of recidivism by the offender;

wherein the services comprise a real time schedule of tasks, events, information, mentoring and reminders during a period of transition out of an institution or into a probation system and wherein the services are related to finding and keeping employment.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the portable electronic device further comprises a global positioning system and mapping software.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the output is audio and is available in a plurality of languages.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the output comprises audio or audio and video messages offering advice, encouragement, or testimonials from the offender'"'"'s peers.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the output includes warnings when the electronic device is approaching an undesirable area, or notifications when the electronic device is approaching a location of beneficial service.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein the services are further related to health care, drug or alcohol counseling.

13. An electronic system for aiding a subject in transition from a structured living situation to a less structured living situation, comprising:

an electronic device comprising a processor, a computer readable memory, software instructions embedded in the computer readable memory, an output device, and an antenna for receiving wireless transmissions;

wherein the software provides pre-selected real time output of services selected from a schedule of tasks, events, information and reminders directed to the subject'"'"'s location and wherein the services are related to finding and keeping employment; and

wherein the output provides assistance in adjusting to the transition to a less structured living situation.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the structured living situation is a medical, psychological, or educational institution, or military service.

15. The system of claim 13, further comprising a global positioning system and mapping software.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein the output device comprises an audio driver program and a speaker for audio output, and wherein the audio output is available in a plurality of languages.

17. The system of claim 13, wherein the output comprises audio or audio and video messages offering advice, encouragement, or testimonials from the subject'"'"'s peers.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the output includes warnings when the electronic device is approaching an undesirable area, or notifications when the electronic device is approaching a location of beneficial services.

19. The system of claim 13, wherein the software further provides real time output of services related to health care, drug or alcohol counseling.