Legal Definitions - study furlough

A study furlough refers to a temporary, authorized absence from a correctional facility, such as a prison, jail, or halfway house, granted to an incarcerated individual specifically for the purpose of pursuing educational or vocational training outside the facility's secure perimeter. This allows individuals to attend classes, workshops, or other learning programs in the community, often as part of rehabilitation efforts aimed at preparing them for successful reintegration into society.

• Example 1: College Degree Program

  Imagine a person serving a sentence for a non-violent offense who has demonstrated good behavior and a commitment to self-improvement. They are approved to leave the prison three times a week to attend an associate's degree program at a nearby community college, returning to the correctional facility each evening. This arrangement continues for the duration of the semester.

  This illustrates a study furlough because the individual is temporarily leaving the secure correctional facility for a specific educational purpose (attending college classes) under official authorization, with the intent of gaining academic qualifications.

• Example 2: Vocational Certification

  Consider an inmate nearing the end of their sentence who wishes to acquire a marketable skill for employment upon release. They are granted a study furlough to participate in an intensive, full-time plumbing certification program offered by a trade school in the community. They attend the program during the day and return to the correctional facility each evening.

  This demonstrates a study furlough as it involves a temporary release from incarceration to pursue vocational training, which is a form of practical education, with the goal of acquiring specific job-related skills.

• Example 3: University Attendance from a Halfway House

  An individual residing in a halfway house as part of their transition back into society receives permission to attend a local university to complete a bachelor's degree. They commute to campus daily for classes and study sessions, returning to the halfway house each evening to comply with their supervision requirements.

  Even though the individual is not in a traditional prison, a halfway house is still a form of correctional supervision. Their authorized daily absence for university studies constitutes a study furlough, enabling them to further their education while remaining under a structured supervisory program.