Strategy 35:
You Were Denied
Now What?
Being found unsuitable for parole can feel like a devastating setback—but it’s also an opportunity. Strategy 35: You Were Denied—Now What? is about what happens after the hearing and how you choose to respond. This chapter reminds us that the decision is not the end of the road but part of a longer path toward transformation, resilience, and readiness.
This strategy explores what to do after receiving a denial from the Board of Parole Hearings. It walks the reader through the emotional and practical steps that follow a setback—how to process disappointment, how to learn from the experience, and how to adjust your approach moving forward. Rather than retreat or give up, the emphasis is on using the denial as feedback: a call to reassess, recommit, and continue preparing. The chapter provides direction for turning a “no” into motivation, and offers reassurance that many individuals are granted parole after more than one hearing.
Notes
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A denial is not a final judgment of your worth; it’s a reflection of the Board’s current perception of your risk.
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The strategy encourages emotional honesty—feel the frustration, but don’t let it paralyze you.
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Review the hearing transcript, reassess the feedback, and work with your attorney or support network to create a stronger path forward.
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Refocus on the areas that need more depth or clarity: insight, planning, coping strategies, or addressing panel concerns.
Recap & Takeaways
When the Board says “not yet,” it’s your chance to regroup, not retreat. Use the decision to sharpen your insight, expand your preparation, and deepen your commitment. This strategy reframes denial as part of the process—not a rejection of growth, but a challenge to continue it. Many have faced setbacks before achieving parole; how you respond to a denial can be the very thing that makes you ready the next time.
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Each week, we break down a chapter from 36 Strategies of Suitability and explain why it matters.
