Life as an Offender - Work Release

Work release is a vital component of the multi-phase transitional program. It allows the Department of Corrections (DOC) to place offenders back into the community through a process that enhances the opportunity for success.

Except for those convicted to life without parole, convicted felons in state custody will be released and returned to the community at the end of their sentence. This represents over 98 percent of the offenders sentenced to incarceration. Many will need work release to assist in their transition back into the community.

Work release provides a bridge between prison and life outside of prison. It represents an opportunity for offenders with six months or less left to serve to gradually adjust to community life. It provides an opportunity for the Department and the community to monitor that adjustment and ensure the offender is establishing the necessary positive contacts and resources in the community while still involved in the structured environment of work release.

Work Release allows offenders monitored access to the community to:

  • Find employment.
  • Re-establish family ties and renew family support.
  • Pay legal financial obligations to the court and/or victims.
  • Pay for part of the cost of their incarceration.
  • Save money necessary to begin again.

Will all offenders be able to go to work release?

Offenders who earn minimum custody status have the privilege of participating in a work release program. Currently, a waiting list is established since we have more offenders eligible for work release than we have placements.

Why go to work release at all?

The program enhances the offender’s chances of remaining in the community. Offenders who complete a multi-phased transition, which includes participation in a work release program, are more likely to succeed outside of prison and remain in the community.

While in a work release, offenders:

  • Are confined unless they work or are on a supervised outing to visit family members. These outings are always in the presence of a sponsor who has undergone a criminal background check and adjudged responsible for the offender’s actions.
  • Undergo frequent tests for substance abuse.
  • Are monitored on their trips back and forth to work to ensure their movements allow enough time to get to work without any pre-arranged stops.
  • Continue therapy, parenting classes, Stress and Anger management training, and substance abuse group participation such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.
  • Are monitored for behavior appropriateness in the work place and other locations.
  • Are encouraged and supported in reuniting with their families and resources.

Work release facilities offer graduated programming which allows the offender increased periods of release to the community based on responsible behavior. The average stay in work release is four months.

The Department also offers special programming for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled in work release. Lincoln Park Work Release offers services to the mentally ill, and Rap House provides services for the developmentally disabled.

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