NCJ Number
147277
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 18 Issue: 4 Dated: (April 1993) Pages: 5-18,22
Date Published
1993
Length
15 pages
Annotation
The results of a survey on work and educational release programs in the United States and Canada in 1993 are reported.
Abstract
Responses to the survey were provided by 47 States, the Federal Bureau of Prisons and 11 Canadian provinces. Included data about whether the system has a work or educational release program, where participants are housed, costs inmates must pay, and the amount of their earnings they may keep. Data is provided about the numbers of inmates in each type of program, factors that determine eligibility and who is responsible for providing transportation. With regard to work release programs, information is also provided about who helps inmates find jobs. The sources of funding for educational release is also included. The New York State corrections system accounts for 5,300 of the 21,000 inmates participating in work release programs nationwide. Forty-two other States also have work release programs. Thirty one States have educational release programs, but in 1993, only 752 inmates were participating, 233 of which were in Illinois. Canada has 1,020 inmates in work release programs and 1,110 inmates in educational release. Housing for inmates in work and educational release programs includes special release facilities, institutions, community corrections centers or a combination. Most systems require inmates to pay room and board, help support their families, pay fines and costs, contribute to a victims fund and save for release. Among the factors considered for eligibility are proportion of time served, type of offense, institutional record and a variety of other factors. In several systems, the inmates ability to pay for educational release is considered and participation and success in institutional school programs may be required. Nova Scotia is the only system that considers the inmate's age in determining eligibility for educational release.