The transition period of residence
in the Pre-release program has proven cost-beneficial to the
taxpayer in that the resident is not a total burden to the
government. During residency the individual becomes a wage
earner and taxpayer, hence defraying a portion of his/her
support costs.
Without Pre-release, the offender is
released with $100, the promise of a job if paroled, or perhaps
no job if discharged. Under these circumstances, the offender
goes directly from twenty-four hour per day confinement to once
or twice monthly supervision by a parole officer. Often
offenders are forced to return to the same dysfunctional
environment/lifestyle in which they existed prior to
incarceration.
The Pre-release inmate is released
fully employed or attending school, has a minimum of $500 in
savings, has received 50 or more hours of counseling, and for six
months or more, has demonstrated the ability to live in the
community without committing a crime.
The Center infuses well over
$4 million
annually into the local
economy.
JOBS -
The Great Falls Transition Center
employs over
70
individuals within the community.
COST
SAVINGS -
Residents contribute towards their room and board
thereby saving the
taxpayer real dollars.
Residents pay for the costs of their own treatment as well as
medical expenses.
Residents are able to pay towards fines, restitution, child
support, student loans, as well as work off
community service hours.
Residents become taxpayers rather than tax burdens.
Community corrections provides structure for the offender who
will eventually return to live in the
community with or without the
opportunities of Pre-release.
The Concept of Pre-Release simply makes good sense!
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