I read what you guys are doing on the tablets. It’s always inspiring to see groups that are working on rehabilitation, mentorship, and education. Education and programing seem to be some of the biggest issues in here.
In 1999, I received life without parole when I was 17-years-old. It was an accumulation of many things that happened to me since I was 14. Over that short period of time I saw plenty of counselors during my time at youth detention and treatment facilities. None of that worked for me. There was no connection or empathy.
When I look back there also was no supervision or real plan on helping us. Treatment facilities put teenagers around adults and that was a great way for us to get alcohol and drugs. Of all the times I was locked up, it was never longer than a few weeks. I thought I was invisible because there was no punishment.
The court procedure for my case was a blur. I plead guilty thinking I’d do no more than 14 years. I now realize it was a plan by the lead detective, district attorney and my attorney to get me to plead guilty. At sentencing, I was being given no parole because I didn’t sound remorseful and I was doing adult things. One thing I wish the courts would do is wait to determine if a person will show remorse. I don’t see how that can be expected so quickly.
It took many years to take responsibility and start to work on myself. Wisconsin use to have so many programs and vocational classes. I still take advantage of every door that opens. In 2014, I along with 21 of my max security peers trained to become certified peer specialists. Since then the Wisconsin Department of Corrections has trained over 214 men. I’ve been able to give back and there is no better feeling in the world. This job has also given me the opportunity to move around. I’ve been to three medium security level facilities, in honor dorms, and lived in an apartment as part of a dog service program. I have trained over 20 dogs for veterans, and the police. The community has been amazing, but Wisconsin still has no bill conforming to the U.S. Supreme Court decisions in Miller Montgomery.
Good amounts of juvenile lifers have been released over the years. It seems like we’ve been a few voters away from a bill passing or having one introduced since 2014. Educating people and receiving support have been some of the biggest issues. We do what we can in prison with rehabilitation and groups. It’s very minimal within the walls, but we’re always pushing for it.
Something a good majority of us are experiencing is our custody classification. We feel stuck because the mandatory restrictions keeping us at medium custody levels. We have a points system that doesn’t mean anything, unless you’re under 5 years of your release date. Right now, I am classified as minimum community. So, my next step is to show that I can make it with fewer restrictions.
I’ve been working with many organizations over the years. One of the best for me and my wellness has been The Center for Fair Sentencing of Youth. They have so much information including activities for people to be a part of and they are open to connect with people. They take the time to writer back. I also have Madison Law School working on my case in order to receive a parole date.
I also just took part in a survey done by second chance study. And the Governor has gotten it approved in the budget for work to be done on the bill to get in line with the U.S. constitution. We still have a lot of work and to me it’s even more important to stop the flow of youth still coming in. and the ones to yet hit the system. I love reading what you guys are doing. It’s inspiring and we’re always pushing to incorporate positive changes here.
Sincerely
Matthew Schumacher # 369487
Stanley Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 189
Phoenix, MD 21131