Andrea Johnson's Parole Hope

Andrea Johnson, 46, was granted parole after 16 months in jail but faced a year-long delay to complete grief counseling for her daughter’s death.

“I was anxious, but I was hopeful. I was excited. Why wouldn’t they let me out?”

Tentative Parole Date

Idaho parole commissioners gave Johnson a tentative parole date of March 8, 2027, requiring her to complete grief counseling and substance use disorder classes.

No Access to Programs

Johnson had no access to the required counseling and classes because state prisons were at 99% capacity, delaying her release.

Self-Perpetuating Cycle

Idaho’s prison overcrowding creates a cycle where women can’t access programs, leading to longer incarceration and more delays for others.

State Law Gap

State law requires the Department of Correction to ensure lack of access to programs isn’t the main reason for parole delays, but tracking is sparse.

Cost of Delay

Each woman delayed by six months costs taxpayers up to $36,500 annually, with some spending over a year in jail.

Parole Commission’s View

The commission says tentative parole dates incentivize good behavior and provide a clear pathway for success before release.

“It incentivizes good behavior, it sets expectations and provides a clear pathway for success.”

False Hope

Johnson described the delay as false hope, increasing her anxiety and reducing her desire to succeed.

“I feel discouraged and defeated. This is not conducive to recovery or a successful life.”

County Jails Lack Programs

Eighteen women in county jails without rehabilitation programs have parole hearings within six months, but lack access to mental health care.

Programs for Women

Idaho’s prison programs for women are less effective due to trauma and mental health needs, but are costly to implement.

New Prison Project

A new women’s prison south of Boise will provide 560 beds but won’t begin housing inmates until late 2027.

Cost Comparison

Jailing women costs $80 per day versus $9 per day for parole, but delays add significant time and expense.

Johnson’s Delayed Release

Johnson spent 156 days in jail after her parole hearing before being transferred to a prison where she could access counseling.

Ongoing Struggle

As of September 24, Johnson did not know when she could restart her counseling or complete classes before her March 2027 release.

Systemic Issue

Idaho’s high women’s incarceration rate leads to a cycle of delays where women can’t access programs, extending their sentences.

What Happens Next

Johnson remains in jail without knowing when she can complete required counseling before her March 2027 release date.