Senate Institutions Committee interviews three Parole Board members, signals support for reappointments

MONTPELIER — The Vermont Senate Committee on Institutions on May 6 interviewed three members of the Vermont Parole Board and conducted a straw-poll showing committee support for reappointing them, Committee Chair Sen. Wendy Harrison said.

The interviews centered on how board members evaluate candidates for parole, the role of trauma-informed care and community supports in reducing recidivism, and whether parole hearings should return to in-person formats. Committee members also asked staff and legislators to check for additional witnesses for an upcoming hearing referenced as involving John Gray.

Katie Aiken, a member of the Parole Board and a licensed clinical social worker, described using trauma-informed and motivational interviewing techniques when questioning candidates. “Nothing is ever cookie cutter,” Aiken said, adding that the board weighs programming completed in custody, voluntary self-improvement efforts, disciplinary history and the candidate’s willingness to change. She told the committee…