NCJ Number
48360
Date Published
1975
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS FILM DESCRIBES A WORK RELEASE PROGRAM FOR INMATES AND HOW IT HELPS THEM IN THEIR TRANSITION BACK TO A NORMAL, RESPECTABLE LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY.
Abstract
THE WORK RELEASE PROGRAM ALLOWS PRISON INMATES TO LEAVE THE FACILITY EACH DAY TO WORK AND THEN RETURN AT NIGHT. THE INMATE'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS HELP HIM TO FIND A JOB, BUT ONLY HONOR GRADE INMATES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE WORK RELEASE PROGRAM. THE SCREENING PROCESS FOR THE PROGRAM IS VERY THOROUGH, AND EVERYTHING, INCLUDING TRANSPORTATION, IS PREARRANGED. THE INMATES MAKE THE SAME WAGES AS OTHERS DOING THE SAME TYPE OF JOB; BUT, UNLIKE OTHERS, HIS MOVEMENT IN THE WORK FACILITY IS RESTRICTED. HE IS LIMITED TO CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE BUILDING AND CANNOT LEAVE THE PREMISES UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. THE WORKER'S CHECK GOES TO THE WORK RELEASE OFFICE IN THE PRISON, WHERE THE FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS ARE MADE. WHEN AN INMATE STARTS WORKING, HE MUST PAY A NOMINAL ROOM AND BOARD FEE PER DAY, AND HE MUST PAY FOR HIS TRANSPORTATION, TOOLS, AND CLOTHING REQUIRED FOR THE JOB. A TRUST FUND IS SET UP FOR THE INMATE, HIS FAMILY MAY GET SOME OF THE MONEY, HE MAY HAVE TO PAY SOME COURT COSTS OR DAMAGES, AND HE MAY TRANSFER SOME OF THE MONEY IN HIS TRUST FUND INTO A PERSONAL SAVINGS ACCOUNT. THE WORK RELEASE PROJECT GIVES THE INMATE SOMETHING TO DO AND THE GRATIFICATION OF WORKING FOR A LIVING. IT ALSO SHARPENS THE OCCUPATIONAL SKILLS OF THE WORKER. (BAC)