What Are The Positive Value Of Work Release Programs

The positive values of work and school release programs are that they can potentially reduce criminal behavior; improve the lives of inmates, their families and the well being of the communities to which they return. These programs offer inmates treatment, counseling, training and education, which are vital in assisting the ex-offender with a successful transition. Work release programs are designed to prepare an inmate to return to the community in a slightly controlled environment, while learning how to work productively and acquire more positive living habits.
By providing an inmate with a program such as work release it allows the inmate to save money towards security deposits for rent, transportation and business attire upon their
By becoming self-sufficient it keeps the inmate motivated and helps from re-offending.
Being a part of a work/school release program is more pleasant than doing the remainder of ones time in prison. It also provides them with an education that will eventually change their criminal ways of thinking into a more productive thought pattern.
The negative values of work/school release programs are that if an inmate is not motivated to work, upon release he will resort to dealing drugs or commit some other type of crime that will earn him another stay in prison which will lead to an increase in the recidivism rate. Escape is another negative aspect of these types of programs.
By providing education and work release programs the number of repeat offenders will decrease because they will be equipped with the necessary skills to succeed. These programs help to change attitudes and behaviors but do not guarantee that inmates will become modeled citizens upon complete discharge from a correctional
Once accepted into the program the inmate must abide by a set of standard rules. The rules usually specify that they are to obtain gainful employment and follow their work plan, remain in the facility at all times except those approved for work or other appointments. They must also remain alcohol and drug free. The consequences of inmates committing infractions while in the halfway house will be returned to a DOC facility.
Operations of the halfway house are done on a contractual basis in which the DOC provides inmates to the halfway house. The halfway house in turn provides the inmates will skills for a smooth transition back into the community. The contracts are usually negotiated on a daily per bed basis. The staffing and meals are also a part of this contractual agreement. Although no staff member resides at the halfway house there is coverage at the halfway house twenty-four hours a day, seven days a