1. What is Work Release?

Work release is that portion of the Community Release Program that allows selected inmates to work at paid employment in the community during their confinement. Inmates must return to the Department's custody at the end of each workday.

Work Release provides:

• Gradual reintegration back into the community.
• Gainful employment.
• Accumulation of savings from paid employment.
• Preservation of family and community ties.
• Participation in self-help programs.

2. How many inmates participate in Community Corrections throughout Alabama?

During fiscal year 2006, more than 1836 offenders participated in 38 Community Correction programs statewide.

3. Who would be eligible for a Work Release Program?

• Persons who, without this option would be incarcerated in an ADOC institution, County Jail or Municipal Jail.
• Revoked probation violators.
• Felony offenders who are not excluded due to offense.

4. Who can NOT participate in Community Correction Programs?

Offenders with the following felony offenses are statutorily Excluded:

• Murder
• Kidnapping in the first degree;
• Rape in the first degree
• Sodomy in the first degree
• Arson in the first degree
• Selling or trafficking in controlled substances
• Robbery in the first degree
• Sexual Abuse in the first degree
• Lewd and lascivious acts upon a child
• Forcible sex crimes
• Assault in the first degree, if said assault leaves the victim permanently disfigured or disabled
• A person who demonstrates a pattern of violent behavior

5. How does the department account for the money earned while in work release?

The money inmates earn on work release is accounted for in this way:

• 25% of gross pay goes to reimbursing the state for room and board.
• 10% of gross pay goes toward restitution or court ordered payments.
• Inmates are responsible for any and all drug test.
• Inmates are responsible for paying transportation to and from work.
• The remaining amount is returned to the inmate.
• Inmates who are required by their sentencing Judge are to pay for any self-help programs such as CRO classes.