Adult Directory 2013

IX. RELEASE: Preparing for Release from Prison or Jail
Inmates anticipating release from prison should start preparing for their release when
they enter prison. Participating in educational, vocational, and general counseling
enhances the reentry transition. The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) requires that an
inmate attend six Pre-Release classes within 12 to 18 months of their anticipated date of
release. Failure of an inmate to attend and cooperate with “Pre-Release Preparation” will
be deemed a “program refusal” and the refusal may consequently retard the anticipated
release date.
Inmates seeking parole must apply to the United States Parole Commission at least 60
days prior to the initial parole hearing.
A. Pre-release
Inmates released from prison before their parole, supervised release or sentence end date
are still under the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Each BOP facility
now as a staff Reentry Services Coordinator (RSC). RSC assists inmates within one year
of release connect with resources in their returning community.
Inmates are generally released to a Residential Recovery Center (RRC) (halfway house)
or home confinement (Electronic Monitoring/GPS). Pre-release inmates agree to abide by
strict monitoring and case management while residing at the RRC or at home. (see RRC
Chapter VI. for list of RRCs in DC). Pre-release inmates are expected to secure
employment, obtain suitable housing and get connected to other services. RRC case
managers and CSOSA staff (TIPS Unit) assist the inmate with developing a plan for
reentry to the community. A suitable Release Plan requires the inmate to identify and
secure, source of support, i.e. employment (paying at least minimum wage), public
benefits, and access to medical and mental health services.
Release Day: Pre-release inmates are expected to travel from prison unescorted
(without the accompaniment of family or friends) to the pre-release destination. Prerelease
inmates receive a “Release Itinerary” that calculates the time it takes for the
inmate to travel from the prison to the RRC. Generally, the institution transports the
inmate from the prison to the nearest public transportation. DC Code Offender
(sentenced in DCSC) get a one way bus ticket to the DC Greyhound bus station. (If
funds are available in the inmate’s personal account, the inmate is expected to pay for
the bus ticket.) The client has 2 hours from when the bus is scheduled to arrive in DC
to make it to the designated halfway house. If he does not arrive within the 2 hours,
an escape charge will be issued. Clients with significant disabilities are encouraged to
request special assistance for a family, friend, or social service agency to receive them
when they arrive in DC.
B. Post-release
Inmates granted supervised release, parole, or are near the end of their full sentence.
Most post-release inmates transition to the community through a RRC. Clients on
probation, parole or supervised release are supervised under the authority of CSOSA.
Inmates released near the end of their full sentence are allowed to complete their sentence
at a RRC, under a “Public Law Placement” status. Public Law release provides the
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Adult Resource Directory: 2013
Community & Confinement Access Guide