FACILITY PHOTOS ~

PPS Work Release Program

 

 

THE WORK RELEASE PROGRAM

Congratulations! – Welcome to the Philadelphia Prison System Work Release Program.

The Work Release Program is a therapeutic community and self-supporting program. Individuals participating in the program can keep the employment they had prior to incarceration, or obtain new employment and continue to provide for their families.

The Program generates an attitude for success and offer you, the participant, the much needed programs through mentorship.

You will be monitored for drug and alcohol use. So bear in mind, if you are not willing to develop a concept and disposition for change, then you will not receive the full benefits that this program offers and you will be deemed inappropriate for continued participation in this program.

Work Release Program Mission Statement
The mission of the Work Release Program is to provide participants with an opportunity to continue to be gainfully employed or to seek new employment. Individuals participating in the Work Release Program are able to pay restitution, court costs and continue supporting their families while being incarcerated.

Program Philosophy
The Work Release Program is a program designed to promote employment, strengthen and retain family bonds. The aim of he program is to assist the Work Release participant with making an uninterrupted transition from incarceration to their communities. It is our goal for participant to make behavioral adjustments in order to be successful in returning to their communities as productive citizens.

The program allows you the opportunity to acquire a GED, earn and save income and provide continued financial support to families. The program allows you the opportunity to seek or continue therapeutic activities.

Classification
The WRP Review Committee will consist of a Deputy Warden, WRP Director, Social Work Supervisor and at least one correctional officer or social worker. The Review Committee will meet once a week to review eligible and non-compliant inmates in the program and determine their future. The WRP Review Committee will be responsible for making recommendations for inmates to be admitted to the program. The Warden will have final approval.

 

Phase Movement
The Phase philosophy is a four step progressive program that allows the WR participant a privilege to go on an off campus leave ranging from 5 hours to 12 hours.

Once admitted into the WRP, the participant’s progress is marked in four (IV) phases. The WRP Review Committee monitors these phases. The committee meets to review a participant’s progress in cases where the participant requests promotion to a higher phase or he/she has committed an infraction of the work release rules or PPS regulations.

Phase 1: Consists of the participant’s first forty-five (45) days in the program. During this time, the participant must either be employed or be actively seeking employment. If the participant successfully remains employed for two weeks and remains in compliance with the rules of the program, the participant may be granted a five (5) hour pass every other week. After two (2) five hour passes, the participant may be granted a seven (7) hour pass every other week.

During Phase I, an employer is required to mail the participant’s paychecks to the cashier of the work release program. The participant may not receive his/her pay directly. The money is placed into the participant’s account, the funds are dispersed for that individual’s personal needs, and assessed room and board costs are deducted. Some participants may be approved to receive their paycheck through electronic debit access. They would be responsible for paying their room and board, and obtaining travel and meal allotment. In addition, all participants are encouraged to participate in the therapeutic and/or court stipulated activity as part of the phase promotion system. During Phase I status, participants are not permitted to work more than (40) hours per week. Work Release participants are not allowed to work (7) consecutive days in a week. They must have at least one day off.

Participants who are “Self-employed” are required to have the following in place before they are allowed to continue their employment; a $500.00 deposit, a current business license, two years worth of income tax forms, and current insurance.

Phase II: The participant receives their own paycheck, is responsible for paying their own room and board, and is responsible for obtaining tokens and/or a trans-pass for their own means of transportation to/from work/or to their approved destinations, such as community activity. An participant may be granted one twelve (12) hour pass every other weekend, and be permitted to work up to sixty hours a week. Participants are encouraged to open up a bank account as part of promoting financial responsibility. After thirty (30) days as a Phase II without any inmate misconducts or violations of the WRP rules and regulations, participants are allowed to proceed to the next level as a Phase III. Also at this phase level, candidates are being evaluated for the GPS program.

Phase III: The 3rd Phase of the program is substantially the same as Phase II, except that the participant may receive weekend furloughs every other week and one twelve (12) hour pass on the intervening weekends.

Employment/Education

All participants s assigned to the program must maintain full-time employment or school.

Once appropriate identification has been received, the Work Release Participant may utilize the Resource Room to assist with Job Search. The Work Release Participant may also seek assistance with employer contact, résumé’s and educational and vocational programs. Participants may enroll in a community college and or a University, approved by the Work Release Program Director. All information will be verified by the social work staff.

Participants attending school are not required to pay room and board, however the participant must provide their own carfare and lunch funds. These funds must be in the participant’s account prior to the start of classes and should cover the cost of lunch and transportation for at least two (2) months. The participant is responsible to have sufficient funds at all times in their account. The Work Release Program does not provide nor assist with funding.

Program staff will assist you in finding an appropriate job placement. The job may be one you held prior to your incarceration or a new one. Your employer or school administrator must agree to cooperate with the Work-Release Program requirements and to support you in complying with the Program’s Rules and Regulations. If you are earning income at a job, you must pay room and board to the PPS

Therapeutic Activity

The following programs are available for WRP participants.

Drug and Alcohol: Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Structured Group Interaction. Educational: GED, Hooked-on-Phonics or another literacy program, Life Skills, Conflict Resolution, Anger Management and a Book Club. Motivational: Family Reunification, Parenting, Rebound, and other community/ faith based programs. Job Readiness: resume preparation, interviewing techniques, interpersonal skills and job retention. Employment: Steady gainful employment indicates that participants are displaying interpersonal skills in the work place.

Most of the Work-Release activities are sponsored by community organizations, while others are participant-driven. Community-based organizations have been instrumental and critical in the fight against recidivism. Participant-driven activities are on the rise, such as discussions, whenever possible the sharing of information and experiences within groups

Work Release Resource Center

Located on the second floor of the 600 University Avenue is the WR Resource Center (WRRC). It should be pointed out that the physical location of the WRRC is right in the center of the building and between space occupied by both Security staff and Social Service staff. The WRRC at this point has proven to be a monumental resource by bridging the gap between both above-referenced disciplines, and most importantly, for the betterment of the WRP and its’ participants.

This Center is intended to be multifunctional. The individual needs of the participants can be identified and addressed. Individual needs include, but are not limited to, how to fill out job applications, prepare resumes, interviewing techniques and sessions in job retention.

Unemployed WRP participants are encouraged to seek employment. It is the Program’s purpose to provide services comparable to those offered by outside employment agencies. The WRRC will provide access to potential employers through on-line applications, classified ads and employer tickler files. All must have monies in their Inmate Account prior to being allowed to interview in the community.

The Work Release Program has encountered participants, who are self-employed. Self-Employed have their own established business generating income Independent Contractors, who receive on hourly rate from their employers, are subject to the same rules as any other WRP employee. For example 40hrs per week board is determined by sliding scale.

Self-employed participants file 1099 tax returns and are required by the WRP to produce tax returns for the past 3 years. Additionally, they must have and show proof of a valid business license and insurance. If they are not able to show the required documentation, they are afforded an opportunity to go to the Federal Bldg at 6th and Arch Streets for proof that business taxes were paid or arrangements were made to pay delinquent taxes and/or current taxes. They will be afforded an opportunity to go to the Municipal Services Building (MSB) and obtain a duplicate business license.

Prior to commencing employment, the self-employed participant must have $500.00 in their inmate account. A money order in the amount of $250.00 must be mailed every Friday to establish proof of income. After the first two money orders have been received, the participant may use funds from the account, maintaining a balance of $500.00. Room/Board for self-employed participants is $75.00 per week and is automatically deducted from their inmate account. They are required to provide their own carfare and lunch funds. Self-employed participants are permitted to work fifty (50) hours per week either Monday-Friday or Tuesday-Saturday.

Mentorship
One of the most important and useful facets of the WRP is the encouragement of Mentorship. In fact, it is not only encouraged but is required of Phase II and Phase III participants. Through the philosophy of Mentorship we are able to get the participants in the program to take on more responsibility, not only for themselves, but also for others who are in need of the encouragement and for their self-esteem. We accomplish this by assigning the Phase II and III Participants to areas of responsibility and having them turn in biweekly reports on their area of assignment.

INTAKE PROCEDURES - ORIENTATION

Medical / Behavioral Health Screening
The medical/behavioral health review will be completed by a medical/behavioral health professional. This review will assist in determining your ability to work and were you are housed.

Work Release Intake Process
Upon entering the WRP, participants will be seen by their assigned social worker within five (5) working days. A comprehensive interview will be completed. A three (3)-page document which reviews the work release rules and regulations will also be reviewed and signed by the participants.

Once completed the work release participants may provide the social worker with his/her employment information, if applicable. The social worker will contact the employer for an exchange of information.

The participant, during this interview process may dialogue with the social worker to obtain clarity in reference to procedures, rules and/or regulations.

1. An orientation session will be held in the housing unit to explain the program rules and procedures and to inform you of the services available to you. Either Phase II or Phase III Work Release Inmates will hold these sessions. The topics covered include but are not limited to:
   the grievance process and the discipline process;
2. mail, commissary, telephone privileges, visiting procedures, and handling of valuables;
3. Health Services, Social Services, AIDS testing, substance abuse treatment programming;
4. official visits (e.g. lawyers, religious visitors).
   You will be assigned to a PHASE II participant who will mentor you throughout your Phase I period.

Pre-Accelerated Work Release Inmate Intake Procedure
The actual process starts after the offender has been sentenced and recommended by their judge for work release. The potential Work Release participant contacts the Work Release Social Worker Supervisor (SWS) to set up an appointment to come and meet with them. The participant obtains this information from either his public defender or his private attorney.
Once contact is made with SWS, it is verified that the participant has at least three weeks prior to their surrender date. A Pre-Accelerated Work Release intake appointment is scheduled within that time. The participant is informed that they need to bring a letter from their employer verifying employment, two most recent pay stubs, social security card, and a driver’s or non-driver’s license. If the participant is self-employed, they must bring tax records for the past two years, a business license along with a driver’s or non-driver’s license. If the participant is also in school or attending an outpatient program, they must bring these documents as well.
On the date of the intake, the participant meets with the assigned Social Worker (SW) to complete the entire Work Release intake process. The employment information is reviewed. The Work Release rules for their employer are also reviewed with the participant and either faxed to the employer or given to the participant to share with the employer requesting that the employer contacts the SW with any questions and or concerns. Information regarding the “One Shot Deal” is given to participant in order to have the participant prepare their clothing and personals to be brought to the Work Release Trailer prior to surrendering.
The Social Worker will also find out if inmate takes any medications or has any medical conditions that require ongoing treatment. An attempt will be made to find out if participant takes any psychotropic medications or has been hospitalized for mental health issues (anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation or suicide attempts). CMR will be contacted by the Social Worker and given all pertinent information in preparation for the participant to be screened and received into the PPS.
Three days (Wednesday) prior to the participants scheduled surrender date, they will report to an ASD site to be administered a PPD test.
Upon surrendering to the Sheriff’s department on Friday, the inmate will be brought to ASD instead of CFCF. The intake process will continue with the ASD staff processing the inmate officially into the system at the Work Release Trailers.
Upon the participant’s surrender, the PPD test will be read and documented by PHS at the Work Release Trailer.
A medical screening by PHS and a mental health evaluation will be conducted.
The inmate depending on their medical and mental status is transferred to 600 University Avenue on the weekend.
Because the intake process, medical and mental health screening has been completed, come Monday morning, the work release inmate will be able to go directly to their employment.

Female Pre-Accels:
Female Pre-Accels would follow the initial process as the men. Due to ASD not having the proper facilities to handle quarantined inmates, the female Pre-Accels, would have to continue their intake processing at the Riverview Correctional Facility.
Upon completion of the quarantine process, they would be transferred to ASD’s Cannery for further processing.

ONE SHOT DEALS

All newly admitted work release inmates are able to receive a“One Shot Deal”. “One Shot Deal” is a list of permissible items that a family member(s) or significant other(s) is allowed to bring to you at one time.

At Mod 3, you must be scheduled by the social services staff for an interview and/or continuance of your employment to receive your “One Shot Deal”. Once confirmed, you will be allowed to submit a memorandum stating your needs. A copy of your memorandum will be given back to you. All 600 WRP inmates will be allowed to have their “One Shot Deal” shortly after their admission to the facility.

The one shot deal must include for men, at least one dress button down shirt and at least two ties. For women, a skirt suit, dress or pant suit. These items are to be worn on all interviews.

One Shot Deals are Monday thru Friday from 9 am to 2 pm. All items are to be brought to the work release trailer or center control at 600 University.

Personal Property
In addition to PPS permissible items - WRP Inmates will be permitted to have:
$ 30.00 Cash and 10 Septa Bus Tokens

One Shot Deal Permissible Items
5-pants
5-shirts
10-underwear top and bottoms (no thongs)
2-pair of panty hoses/stockings
10-socks
1-belt
1-jacket
1-pair work shoes
1-pair casual shoes
2-Shirt Tie (males)
1-Pant Suit or Skirt Suit (females)
5-Bras
6-Soap 4oz
1-Deodorant (non-aerosol: roll on or solid on deodorants only) 4oz
1-Toothpaste and Toothbrush 7oz
1-Lotion bottle 12oz
1-Hair pomade 6oz
1-Shampoo and (1) conditioner 15oz
1-Comb and (1) brush every
1-Package of sanitary napkins & (1) package of panty liners (up to 50)
10-Disposable razors:
1-Hair relaxer kit
1-Liquid laundry detergent: (pour bottle: ½ gallon) 64 oz
1-Fabric softener: (pour bottle 16 ounces) or (box: 40 to 60 sheets) (monthly)
1-Disinfectant: (plastic bottle: *NO BLEACH) 1 liter

TELEPHONE ACCESS

Pay-phones are located at the WRP (600 University Ave). Mod 3 and the Cannery have access to PPS phones services.

Visits
Your visitors must present official photo identification to the officer at the reception desk. They will be searched prior to the visit. Visitors’ dress and behavior must be appropriate. You may embrace and kiss your visitor at the beginning and at the end of a visit. You may hold hands during the visit. Any other forms of physical contact are prohibited and are cause for termination of the visit. These contact restrictions do not apply to small children. No article of any kind may be passed between you and any visitor. Inmates that have been working for 21 days will not receive outside visits. These inmates will be allowed to apply for a home pass of 5hrs on their regular day off.

DUI Treatment Court Work Release participants are not permitted home passes. However, they will be permitted one (1) hourly weekly visit.

 

FROM THE WARDENS DESK~