BIRTH OF ADVOCATES FOR CHANGE

In November, 2009, the Colorado CURE Board voted to disband SOIG (Sex Offender Issues Group), the CURE group that dealt specifically with issues related to those who had been charged and/or convicted of sex offenses. Aware of the desperate need for advocacy on issues regarding our loved ones and friends who have been so charged and/or convicted, the members of the now defunct SOIG decided to continue its work under another name and Advocates For Change was born. Advocates For Change (AFC) is made up of former and present CURE members, families and loved ones of those charged and/or convicted of sex offenses and people who have committed or been charged with sexual offenses.

AFC will be assertive regarding its advocacy work and is moving forward with legislative efforts, support of a lawsuit against the Department of Corrections, a survey of former legislators who voted on the Lifetime Supervision Act, and attendance at meetings important to the fair treatment and welfare of people charged and/or convicted of sex offenses.

One of AFC’s goals is holding those people charged with the oversight of our loved ones and friends accountable to the letter and spirit of the Lifetime Supervision Act, i.e., that those sentenced under the Act have a legislative mandate to treatment, the right to progress through treatment and upon meeting appropriate criteria, to be released from prison. AFC is also committed to the fair treatment of those so charged who are on probation or parole in the community. The challenges they face are monumental, the inability to get housing and jobs among them.

If you have the same or similar concerns and want to join our group, we welcome you. There is much work to be done. There is a membership form at the end of this newsletter. We hope to see you soon.