Benefits for Florida's Released Inmates
Transitional services are means for a newly released inmate to readjust to living in his community. Using services for employment, rehabilitation and housing decreases the rate of recidivism. The Florida Department of Corrections oversees the implementation of several programs aimed at assisting inmates become productive members of society again.
Transition Preparation Course
In conjunction with a release plan administered by the Department of Corrections, each inmate must complete a 100-hour transition preparation course. The course concentrates on setting future goals, correcting family issues and creating a strategic employment plan. The course is often taught by off-duty correctional officers at the prison or at a specialized facility, depending on a particular region's resources. Inmates attend classes, take several tests, complete workbooks and view transitional videos as a part of the course.
Work Release
Work release is a community transition program for inmates authorized by Florida statues. The program allows selected inmates to work in a paid employment position within 14 months of their release date. Work release is a program focused on individuals who have been imprisoned for an extended period of time. It allows them to slowly transition back into their community, especially if they have lost ties with family and friends. While at work, inmates live in a non-secure facility that operates at a lower cost than a prison. Inmates can also participate in rehabilitative programs that focus on issues such as drug and substance abuse. To ensure public safety, there are stringent eligibility requirements that an inmate must meet before being allowed to participate in the program. Sex offenders, individuals with four or more prior convictions and inmates who have attempted escape are prohibited from participating.
Transitional Housing
An inmate can apply for transitional housing within 90 days of his release. This program is designed for offenders in need of a positive environment to assist their recovery from substance abuse. The administrators of the houses also help residents find a job and reconnect with family and friends. Newly released individuals can stay up to six months in a secular facility or up to a year in a faith-based facility. Considering that this program is outside the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections, it is up to the authority of specific transitional homes to approve a particular inmate for the program. Participation in transitional housing programs is voluntary, but once an inmate chooses to enter the house, he must obey all rules and participate in all activities instituted by the housing program.
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