Second Chances Resource Library

Delaware provides compassionate release to eligible incarcerated individuals with serious mental or physical conditions under two separate laws:

• Eligible individuals serving sentences for crimes committed on or after June 30, 1999, may be considered for Sentence Modification Due to Illness or Infirmity.
• Eligible individuals serving sentences for crimes committed before June 30, 1999, (sometimes referred to as “old law prisoners”) may be considered for Medical Parole.

This memo summarizes the regulations and requirements of these programs, including the categories of release, eligibility criteria, the decision-making process, post-decision topics, and reporting.

Connecticut provides compassionate release to eligible incarcerated individuals with serious medical conditions under three separate laws: (1) Medical Parole, (2) Compassionate Parole Release, and (3) Nursing Home Release. This memo summarizes the regulations and requirements of these programs, including the categories of release, eligibility criteria, the decision-making process, post-decision topics, and reporting.

Colorado provides compassionate release to eligible incarcerated individuals who have serious medical conditions and those who are older through Special Needs Parole. This memo summarizes the regulations and requirements of this program, including the categories of release, eligibility criteria, the decision-making process, post-decision topics, and reporting.

California provides compassionate release to eligible incarcerated individuals with serious medical conditions through Medical Parole and Recall of Sentence and to eligible individuals age 60 and older through Elderly Parole. This memo summarizes the regulations and requirements of these programs, including the categories of release, eligibility criteria, the decision-making process, post-decision topics, and reporting.

Arkansas provides compassionate release to eligible incarcerated individuals who are incapacitated or terminally ill through three different laws: (1) Medical Parole, (2) Early Release to Home Detention, and (3) Executive Clemency Due to a Life-Threatening Medical Condition. This memo summarizes the regulations and requirements of these programs, including the categories of release, eligibility criteria, the decision-making process, post-decision topics, and reporting.

Arizona provides compassionate release to eligible incarcerated individuals in “imminent danger of death” through the Executive Clemency process. Individuals may also request Compassionate Leave if they need specialized care for terminal illnesses or medical treatment not available in prison. This memo summarizes the regulations and requirements of these programs, including the categories of release, eligibility criteria, the decision-making process, post-decision topics, and reporting.

This article looks at the growing population of older individuals in prisons and the resulting high costs.

Alaska provides compassionate release to eligible incarcerated individuals with serious medical conditions through Special Medical Parole and to those who are age 60 and older through Geriatric Parole/Discretionary Parole Based on Age. This memo summarizes the regulations and requirements of these programs, including the categories of release, eligibility criteria, the decision-making process, post-decision topics, and reporting.

This infographic explains what second look sentencing is, why we need it, and how it works.

Alabama provides compassionate release to incarcerated people who are permanently incapacitated, terminally ill, or geriatric (older) through its Medical Parole and Medical Furlough programs. This memo summarizes the regulations and requirements of these programs, including the categories of release, eligibility criteria, the decision-making process, post-decision topics, and reporting.