System and Method for Reducing Recidivism and Aid in Transition From a Structured Living Situation to a Less Structured Situation

• US 20080122613A1
• Filed: 10/31/2007
• Published: 05/29/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/29/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Joan Sanger
• Original Assignee: Joan Sanger
• Inventors: Sanger, Joan
• Granted Patent: US 8,659,434 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/539.11
• 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:

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 real time output of services selected from a schedule of tasks, events, information and reminders directed to the offender'"'"'s location, medical history, psychological history, or legal status; and

wherein the output provides assistance in reducing the probability of recidivism for the offender.

2. The electronic system of claim 1, wherein the services are selected from services related to finding and keeping employment, health care, drug or alcohol counseling, housing, life skills, financial responsibility, and interaction with the legal system.

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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. The system of claim 3, 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.

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

providing an electronic device containing a database of services that are chosen for an individual offender and are output by the 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 designed to reduce the offender'"'"'s probability of recidivism during a period of transition out of an institution or into a probation system; and

providing the portable device to the offender prior to or after release from an institution or placement into probation.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the electronic device provided to the subject is a portable electronic device.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the services are selected from services related to finding and keeping employment, health care, drug or alcohol counseling, housing, life skills, financial responsibility, and interaction with the legal system.

10. The method of claim 7, further comprising a global positioning system and mapping software

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

12. 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.

13. The system of claim 10, 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.

14. 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 real time output of services selected from a schedule of tasks, events, information and reminders directed to the subject'"'"'s location, medical history, psychological history, family status, education level or job skills; and

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

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

16. The electronic system of claim 14, wherein the services are selected from services related to finding and keeping employment, health care, drug or alcohol counseling, housing, life skills, financial responsibility, stress management, or interaction with the legal system.

17. The system of claim 14, further comprising global positioning system and mapping software

18. The system of claim 14, 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.

19. The system of claim 14, wherein the output comprises audio or audio and video messages offering advice, encouragement, or testimonials from the subject'"'"'s peers.

20. The system of claim 17, 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.