Intermittent Sentencing/Work Furlough Programs

Correctional programs that provide a partial alternative to total incarceration by allowing qualifying inmates to leave the institution for the purpose of continuing regular employment during the daytime, but requiring that they return to the institution nights and/or weekends. Also included are programs that provide an alternative sentencing option (intermittent sentencing) which allows adult or juvenile offenders to live at home and attend work or school during the week but spend their weekends (or other free time) participating in community work projects or completing a sentence in jail. These penalties, which place the offender in a probation situation during time spent outside the correctional facility, provide the public with a sense of punishment and the offender with a "lock-up" experience without isolating him or her with consequent job loss, breakdown of family ties and other problems.