Work Release

Employment

The Resident Employment Division of the Work Release Center assists convicted felons find gainful employment and strives to maintain a 100% resident offender employment rate. Residents who meet certain criteria will often work a second part-time job on in addition to their full-time employment.  One of the key elements to the success of the program is teaching the residents skills required to seek and keep a job, as well as have the ability to use resources related to employment while promoting pro-social behavior. Job readiness tools are provided to help empower each individual to approach the workplace with excellence and respect. In an effort to prepare the resident to gain competitive employment, partnerships have been fostered with reputable local businesses within Floyd County which offer the residents full-time employment often with medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits. We strive to work with local businesses that encourage promotion within the company and stability as the main goal. Collaborating with local businesses gives the residents an opportunity to be part of the economic development of the community in which they will reside in upon their release. Positive motivation is enhanced by ensuring that residents attain their vital documents such as birth certificates, social security card, and identification card. Assistance is provided to residents applying for renewal, replacement, or transfer of a driver license previously issued in Georgia and other states. By obtaining a state issued driver’s license, the resident becomes eligible for future promotions in the company, and he is able to retain employment indefinitely after his release without any obstacles due to transportation. 

Transportation

The Transportation Division of the Floyd County Work Release Center is comprised of two non-certified staff members whose primary mission is the transport of residents to and from their place of employment. The residents are charged a reasonable fee to help offset the cost of this program. By maintaining in-house transportation services, the Resident Employment Division has been given a powerful tool to grow employment partnerships within Floyd County while increasing the overall wage of our residents.

Passes

Resident offenders meeting specific criteria are eligible for passes. Passes are broken down into two categories, home passes and special passes. Each resident has the opportunity to earn two home passes per month once he is employed. Home passes are given on Sundays from 10am – 3 pm. Residents must be picked up at the center and then returned at 3 pm. Family or friends must fill out an Alternate Driver Application and submit it for approval in order to transport a resident on home pass. Special passes are permitted for specific circumstances such as doctor visits and other day to day matters such as going to the DMV, completing community based driving classes, and other matters that a resident may need to attend to prior to release. 

Finances

Resident offenders turn in all earnings to the business office which in turn are deposited into individual resident accounts. Resident offenders are responsible for weekly room and board which is also automatically deducted from their account every week. If funds are available, resident offenders may request a weekly allowance of $50 for use on the vending machines, laundry, etc. Resident offenders are also allowed to provide financial assistance to their families via weekly special allowances from their accounts. Special allowances to cover any outstanding fines, fees, and restitution are also permitted. All remaining funds are maintained securely on the resident offender’s behalf and re-issued to him upon release.

Property

During a resident offender’s first two weeks he may receive packages from family or friends providing the necessary clothing, hygiene items, and other basic property items needed. Resident offenders without support from family and friends are provided assistance in obtaining these items prior to being employed. Residents may also request to have specific items of need approved to be mailed to the facility or they may purchase the items through other approved means. All packages must be approved prior to being mailed.