The success of work-release programs may hinge on the community's acceptance and support for its goals and participants. Prison staff should also encourage public acceptance of work-release programs. Officials can emphasize the transitional benefits of work release, making clear that inmates who are participating in work-release programs are rightly preparing to re-enter the community. Another way to increase community support of work-release programs is to provide a liaison between the program and the public. Work-release centers should (and often do) have staff or volunteers who are able to address questions or concerns from the community. The community liaison could also report regularly to citizens in the community who fund work-release programs, to advise donors that the program is active and that prisoners are working effectively.

Mentors, faith-based groups, and other community groups can create community networks to provide support for inmates participating in work release. Because the inmates are the ultimate responsibility of the department of corrections, the department should ensure that mentors and community groups provide services that meet employer and corrections expectations. Volunteers need to be trained, monitored, and evaluated to ensure compliance with goals and rules of the program, as well to avoid liability. By establishing close ties with community or faith-based organizations and the business community, the department of corrections maximizes the chance of success for work-release program participants and creates a safety net if the work-release assignment is not a successful match.

Example: Work-Release Correctional Facilities, Pioneer Human Services (WA)

Pioneer Human Services partners with community-based organizations, private-sector businesses, and local community colleges for its comprehensive work release program. The partners provide a range of support, educational, and employment opportunities for the program participants.