A cooperative agreement between the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Prisons, the U.S. Board of Parole and the Federal Probation System to provide rehabilitation and employment services for Indians just released from Federal prisons has been signed, it was announced today.
The agreement calls for a "concerted" effort to unify court, prison and parole procedures and the many educational, vocational and employment services provided Indians by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
The agreement noted that "conviction on State or Federal criminal charges does not disqualify Indians from eligibility for assistance by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Conviction may, in fact, be an indication of a need for special assistance.
Robert L. Bennett, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, said the agreement "will allow those who determine if an Indian offender is ready for parole, those who supervise his parole activities, and those who operate programs designed to help Indians become productive members of modern society coordinate their activities for the benefit of Indians now obviously at odds with society."
The agreement was signed by: Bennett; William E. Foley, Deputy Director, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts; Myrl E. Alexander, Chief, U.S. Bureau of Prisons; and Homer L. Benson, member, U.S. Board of Parole.
