2014 Mississippi Code
Title 47 - PRISONS AND PRISONERS; PROBATION AND PAROLE
Chapter 7 - PROBATION AND PAROLE
PROBATION AND PAROLE LAW
§ 47-7-331 - Pre-release assessment and written discharge plan

(1) The department shall create a discharge plan for any offender returning to the community, regardless of whether the person will discharge from the custody of the department, or is released on parole, pardon, or otherwise. At least ninety (90) days prior to an offender's earliest release date, the commissioner shall conduct a pre-release assessment and complete a written discharge plan based on the assessment results. The discharge plan for parole eligible offenders shall be sent to the parole board at least thirty (30) days prior to the offender's parole eligibility date for approval. The board may suggest changes to the plan that it deems necessary to ensure a successful transition.

(2) The pre-release assessment shall identify whether an inmate requires assistance obtaining the following basic needs upon release: transportation, clothing and food, financial resources, identification documents, housing, employment, education, health care and support systems. The discharge plan shall include information necessary to address these needs and the steps being taken by the department to assist in this process. Based on the findings of the assessment, the commissioner shall:

(a) Arrange transportation for inmates from the correctional facility to their release destination;

(b) Ensure inmates have clean, seasonally appropriate clothing, and provide inmates with a list of food providers and other basic resources immediately accessible upon release;

(c) Ensure inmates have a driver's license or a state-issued identification card that is not a Department of Corrections identification card;

(d) Assist inmates in identifying safe, affordable housing upon release. If accommodations are not available, determine whether temporary housing is available for at least ten (10) days after release. If temporary housing is not available, the discharge plan shall reflect that satisfactory housing has not been established and the person may be a candidate for transitional reentry center placement;

(e) Refer inmates without secured employment to employment opportunities;

(f) Provide inmates with contact information of a health care facility/provider in the community in which they plan to reside;

(g) Notify family members of the release date and release plan, if inmate agrees; and

(h) Refer inmates to a community or a faith-based organization that can offer support within the first twenty-four (24) hours of release;

(3) A written discharge plan shall be provided to the offender and supervising probation officer or parole officer, if applicable.

(4) A discharge plan created for a parole-eligible offender shall also include supervision conditions and the intensity of supervision based on the assessed risk to recidivate and whether there is a need for transitional housing. The board shall approve discharge plans before an offender is released on parole pursuant to this chapter.