Home Leave

The purpose of home leave is for offenders who are nearing their release to re-establish family relationships and community socialization in preparation for their transition back into the community.

Criteria for Participation
Offenders in minimum custody Level III who have maintained this status for 90 days and are within 12 months of a release or parole eligibility date are eligible for consideration for home leaves. In addition, the offender must be infraction free for 90 days.

The offender must make a formal request in writing about program participation. The prison warden will request the appropriate staff to conduct an investigation. In determining whether to grant the request, issues that are considered include the offender's behavior, performance in their work and program activities, reports from prison counselors, work supervisors, community volunteer and custodial recommendations.

The home leave sponsor is restricted to adult (21 years of age or older) immediate family members or others who have acted in the place of parents where such relationships can be verified. Additionally, the existing relationship between the offender and prospective family member sponsor should prove to be overall positive and supportive.

Program Operation
The home leave sponsor notifies the prison's home leave coordinator when they want a leave to occur.

Visits are restricted specifically to the home of the family sponsor. Going to any other location requires prior approval. Offenders must go directly to the specified location in the agreement and return to the prison facility using an approved method of transportation. The frequency of home leaves varies and is determined by the policy for each participant.

Contact for Policy Interpretation/Assistance
For more information, contact 919-838-4000.