Changing Lives Through Literature Best Practices Guide: Part One: Becoming Involved with CLTL

This page includes information on prerequisites, protocols, and ethical boundaries to consider when establishing a new CLTL program.

Prerequisites

1. Each CLTL team member (judge, probation officer, facilitator) is required to attend and participate in at least two meetings of an established CLTL program. Facilitator prospects (mentees) -can opt for a more in-depth experience in the Mentor/Mentee Program. The CLTL program administrator, together with the CLTL facilitator coordinator, will assist in scheduling and coordinating. If you are unable to attend one of these, please contact the CLTL program administrator at [e-mail].
2. Each CLTL team member must also attend the annual CLTL spring training conference. If you are unable to attend, please contact the CLTL program administrator at [e-mail].
3. Each CLTL team member must read this guide entirely.
4. Facilitators must be a Massachusetts State vendor before facilitating.

Becoming a Team Member

1. Judges and Probation Officers:
   • Complete the New & Existing Team Member Information Form (CLTL-A2).
2. Facilitators:
   • Complete the New & Existing Vendor Information Form (CLTL-A3).

Establishing a New Program

1. A CLTL program consists of a judge, probation officer, facilitator (the program team), and individuals on probation.
2. Any judge, probation officer, or facilitator interested in initiating a CLTL program should contact the CLTL program administrator at [e-mail].
3. The CLTL team should discuss the structure of their program, including group demographic (men/woman/mixed), number of participants, start date, length of program, and location of meetings.
   • A typical program consists of five to twelve participants, a minimum of six/maximum of ten classes meeting weekly or bi-weekly. Graduation is held outside of the regularly scheduled classes.
4. An outline of every program must be provided to the CLTL program administrator at least two weeks prior to the program’s scheduled start date. using the Program Announcement Form (CLTL-A1).
   • Program funding will be secured upon submission.
   • The judge and probation officer must obtain acknowledgement signature from their First Justice and Chief Probation Officer on the CLTL-A1 Form.
   • An updated CLTL-A1 Form should be submitted to reflect program updates when known.

Programs Inside Correctional Facilities

CLTL also runs programs inside correctional facilities with the permission and support of the Sheriff. The team consists of a facilitator, judge(s), and correctional officers in lieu of probation. Programs are often run every week instead of every other week. Short stories or other short readings may be the most useful literary genre for this population. As an incentive for participating in this program, each graduate receives a certificate that may be used either at sentencing, as evidence of their ongoing participation in programming while detained, or when appearing before the parole board regarding their future release.

Ethical Boundaries

Legal Advice and Pending Cases

Probation officers should inform probationers prior to the start of the program that they may not ask the judge for legal advice or discuss any pending cases with the judge. This applies not only to the participant’s own matters but also to matters involving friends, family, neighbors, etc.

Recusal

A judge participating in the CLTL program should not generally sit on cases involving individuals who currently participate in the program. However, in some courts, practical considerations make this difficult, if not impossible.  Judges faced with this concern can contact the program administrator at [e-mail].

Privacy Concerns

• Judges have different views about sharing personal information with the CLTL class.
• Each judge should decide how much or how little they are comfortable sharing.

Duty to Report Crimes or Misconduct

To be handled by the probation officer.