Glossary
What is Work Release?
A program that lets some people near the end of a sentence work paid jobs in the community while still in custody.
Work release lets carefully screened people hold paid jobs or attend approved job training in the community while still serving their sentence. They live in a supervised facility.
Rules vary by state. Minnesota's program, created in 1967, generally requires people to have served at least half their term, and they may join up to 12 months before their supervised release date. Participants live in contracted jails or community facilities, pay part of their housing costs, and must pay court-ordered restitution and fines.
Check with the state department of corrections about whether your loved one may qualify.
Read more
- What Happens to Commissary Money When Someone Is Released?
- The Cost of Supporting a Loved One in Prison, and How to Stretch Your Budget