Temporary Release Program

These programs allow incarcerated individuals who are within two years of their earliest release date to become reintegrated back into their families and communities on a gradual basis. There are several ways to do this:

• Furlough: Allows incarcerated individuals to go home to stay with their family for up to seven days to maintain family ties, look for employment, or to seek post-release housing.
• Work Release: Allows incarcerated individuals to leave a facility for up to 14 hours on any day to work at a job in the community or to gain on-the-job training.
• Industrial Training Leave: Allows incarcerated individuals to participate in an Industrial Training Program at designated sites.
• Educational Release: Allows incarcerated individuals to attend school, vocational training, or college for up to 14 hours in any day.
• Community Service Leave: Allows incarcerated individuals to leave the facility during the day to do volunteer work in the community, or to attend an athletic event, cultural event or religious services not available in the facility.
• Leave of Absence: Allows incarcerated individuals to visit a relative who is dying or to attend a family funeral. It may also be granted for medical treatment, which is not available in a departmental facility.

Temporary Release Program NY-CRR Rules and Regulations:

Title 7, Department of Corrections and Community Supervision

Title 7, Chapter XII

• Short-Term: To assist incarcerated individuals in preparing to return to the community via the strengthening of family ties and obtaining employment and housing.
• Long-Term: To successfully reintegrate incarcerated individuals into their community and reduce the likelihood of future criminal activity.

The Temporary Release Program Rules and Regulations details the eligibility criteria and procedures required for approval for any Temporary Release Program.

The Temporary Release Chairperson or Offender Rehabilitation Counselor (ORC) is the facility's contact person designated to assist staff and incarcerated individuals in utilizing Temporary Release Programs.

Incarcerated individuals who are eligible can submit an application to the Temporary Release Chairperson or ORC at their facility. After a review of their record and an interview, they will be notified in if they qualify to appear before the Temporary Release Committee (TRC) for a review and recommendation. 

If approved by the TRC, the application must be submitted to the Superintendent for a recommendation. All cases must be sent to Central Office for a decision. Individuals who are denied may appeal most decisions to the Director of Temporary Release Programs in Central Office.

All facilities.