When I was in prison, I constantly searched for hope—something tangible that could change the trajectory of my future. I looked for reforms, policies, programs, or people who could open the door a little wider.
Today, I’m encouraged to report that the Bureau of Prisons has just issued a memorandum that does exactly that.
On June 17, 2025, BOP Director William K. Marshall III announced a major shift in policy to fully implement the First Step Act (FSA) and Second Chance Act (SCA). For the first time, BOP is directing staff to eliminate barriers and maximize access to home confinement for eligible individuals.
The Memorandum isn’t a bureaucratic update—it’s a chance for thousands of people to earn their way home sooner. Don’t take my word for it. Click the link belw and read it for yourself:
💡 A Values-Based Lesson
This policy reflects what our team at Prison Professors teaches every day: Prepare yourself, build a record, and prove worthy of trust. The people who benefit from these reforms will be those who’ve taken the initiative to show they’re ready.
This new directive prioritizes:
- Earned Time Credits stacking from FSA and SCA
- Timely referrals based on conditional placement dates
- Readiness for reentry, rather than just prior work history
- Home confinement even when RRC beds are full
📈 Action Steps You Can Take Right Now
- Track your earned time credits and project your conditional placement date.
- Document your readiness—stable housing, release plan, and support network.
- Avoid disciplinary infractions, and keep building a positive record.
- Request a referral through your case manager once eligible.
- Start writing your story to demonstrate transformation.
🎯 Build Your Prison Professors Talent Profile
Everything we offer at Prison Professors is free. Build your profile with your biography, journal entries, book reports, and release plan. You’ll show decision-makers—whether case managers, counselors, or judges—that you’re invested in success.
I modeled this process on my own journey: I served 26 years in prison, but I started preparing for success on Day One. Now, I want to help you do the same.
📓 REFLECTION JOURNAL PROMPT
What steps have you taken so far to show that you’re ready for a second chance? What more could you do this week to demonstrate your commitment to a successful reentry?
🔍 SAMPLE RESPONSE
During my time in prison, I’ve completed several reentry classes and maintained a clean disciplinary record. I’ve developed a release plan and kept in touch with family members who’ve agreed to support me. This week, I’ll begin documenting my progress in a weekly journal and start drafting a biography to include in my Prison Professors Talent profile.
🧱 PROJECT: BUILDING YOUR PROFILE
- ✅ Biography: Share your background and goals.
- ✅ Journal: Track your progress weekly.
- ✅ Book Reports: Show commitment to learning.
- ✅ Release Plan: Include housing, employment, and support details.
- ✅ Testimonials: Ask mentors or loved ones to write support letters.
💬 QUOTE TO REMEMBER
“Every system can be changed—but the most important system to change is your own mindset.” — Michael Santos
🧠 SELF-DIRECTED QUESTIONS
- What is my current eligibility for home confinement under FSA or SCA?
- How can I demonstrate that I’m ready for community reintegration?
- What obstacles might I face, and how can I prepare for them now?
- What support systems can I put in place to strengthen my release plan?
- How can I turn today’s policy update into real action?
