SUPPORT & RELEASE PLANNING
Preparing for What Comes Next
Parole preparation doesn't stop with the review. Families can also begin thinking about the practical needs that may arise if their loved one is released.
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A PAROLE DECISION IS ONLY PART OF THE JOURNEY.
If release becomes possible, families may suddenly need answers about housing, transportation, identification, employment, healthcare, appointments, supervision, and support.
You don't need to have every answer today.
The goal is to begin identifying what needs to be considered and where your family may need additional planning.
WHAT DOES RELEASE PLANNING INCLUDE?
A realistic plan considers more than where someone will sleep. Start thinking about the practical pieces of returning to the community.
HOUSING
A housing plan should be realistic and based on the actual circumstances of the person returning home.
Begin by asking:
• Where would they live?
• Who is providing the housing?
• Does everyone understand the arrangement?
• Is there a backup option?
• What transportation will be available?
You don't have to solve every housing issue today. Start by identifying what you know and what still needs to be figured out.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation can become an immediate concern after release.
Begin thinking about how your loved one will:
• Get home after release
• Get to work
• Attend required appointments
• Attend meetings
• Obtain basic necessities
• Access community services
Think about both immediate transportation and longer-term transportation needs.
EMPLOYMENT & EDUCATION
Having productive activities planned can be an important part of preparing for reentry.
Families may want to begin identifying:
• Previous job skills
• Employment possibilities
• Vocational opportunities
• Education options
• Training opportunities
• Transportation to work or school
Start with possibilities rather than assuming everything will be available immediately.
HEALTHCARE & SERVICES
Depending on the individual's circumstances, planning may include identifying:
• Medical care
• Prescription needs
• Mental health services
• Recovery services
• Community programs
• Other support services
Start identifying possible resources before they are urgently needed.
IDENTIFICATION & DOCUMENTS
Begin identifying important documents that may be needed during the transition.
Depending on the circumstances, these may include:
• Identification
• Social Security information
• Birth certificate
• Medical information
• Prescription information
• Employment-related documents
• Other personal records
BUILD A SUPPORT TEAM
Successful reentry may involve more than one person.
Think about who can provide different types of practical and positive support.
FAMILY
FAMILY
Who can help with:
• Communication
• Transportation
• Housing
• Emotional support
• Everyday needs
COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY
Consider:
• Community organizations
• Employment resources
• Education
• Recovery services
• Other local resources
PROFESSIONAL
PROFESSIONAL
Depending on the situation:
• Attorneys
• Case-related professionals
• Healthcare providers
• Counselors
• Service providers
THINK BEYOND THE RELEASE DATE
Don't only plan for the day your loved one comes home.
Think about the first seven days.
Ask:
WHERE WILL THEY SLEEP?
HOW WILL THEY GET AROUND?
WHAT WILL THEY EAT?
WHAT APPOINTMENTS OR REQUIREMENTS MAY NEED ATTENTION?
WHAT DOCUMENTS WILL THEY NEED?
WHO WILL THEY CONTACT FOR HELP?
WHAT WILL THEY DO DURING THE DAY?
You don't need every answer today.
Start identifying the questions that need answers.
YOUR QUICK RELEASE PLAN
Start with five basic questions:
Where will they live?
How will they get around?
What will they do for work, school, or other productive activities?
Who will be their main support?
What is the biggest thing we still need to figure out?
RELEASE PLANNING WORKSHEET
RELEASE PLANNING WORKSHEET
Ready to create a more organized plan?
Our professional worksheet provides a structured place to work through important release-planning areas and identify what still needs attention.
ONE STEP AT A TIME
A release plan doesn't have to be perfect.
It should be realistic, organized, and based on the actual circumstances of your loved one.
Start with one area.
Then work on the next.
PREPARE FOR RELEASE.
PREPARE FOR REENTRY.
PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE.
READY TO GO FURTHER?
Our professional planning tools are designed to help families move from simply thinking about release to actually organizing the information they need.
IMPORTANT
TDCJ Parole Prep Resources provides educational and organizational resources only. The information on this page is not legal advice, legal representation, or a guarantee of parole or release.
Individual release requirements and circumstances vary. Always verify current information through appropriate official Texas sources and consult a qualified attorney for legal advice concerning a specific case.
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