Home Leave

The purpose of Home Leave is for inmates 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
Inmates in minimum custody level III who have maintained this status for ninety (90) days and are within twelve (12) months of a release or parole eligibility date are eligible for consideration for home leaves. In addition, the inmate must be infraction free for 90 days.

The inmate must make a formal request in writing about program participation. The prison superintendent will request the appropriate staff to conduct an investigation. In determining whether to grant the request, issues that are considered include the inmate'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 parents where such relationships can be verified. Additionally the existing relationship between the inmate 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. Inmates 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

Family Services Administrator
Section of Prisons, Program Services
840 W. Morgan Street
Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone: (919) 838-4000
Fax: (919) 715-5094