The death of a loved one is a profound loss that can be difficult to navigate, especially for those who are incarcerated. While mourning is a natural and necessary part of the grieving process, prisoners are often faced with the added challenge of navigating the rules and regulations surrounding funeral furloughs.
These furloughs, which allow inmates to attend the funeral of a loved one, are subject to strict eligibility requirements, costs, and risks that must be carefully assessed by prison officials. For many prisoners, a funeral furlough can be a lifeline to the outside world, a chance to say goodbye to a loved one and find closure in the face of loss.
However, the process of obtaining a furlough can be arduous and complex, with wardens tasked with assessing the risk of allowing an inmate to leave the facility. This article will explore the eligibility requirements, costs, and risks associated with funeral furloughs for prisoners, shedding light on the challenges and complexities of this important issue.
Eligibility and Approval
The eligibility and approval process for funeral furloughs requires the warden to assess the risk and make the final decision. The criteria for furlough eligibility vary from state to state, but generally, inmates must have a close family member who has passed away.
The warden must determine whether the inmate is a flight risk or poses a threat to society and must consider the inmate’s criminal history, behavior, and institutional adjustment when making the decision. The warden’s discretion is critical in the approval process, as it ensures the safety of the public and the inmate.
The warden must weigh the risk of allowing the inmate to leave against the benefits of allowing the inmate to attend the funeral. The warden must also consider the victim’s family’s feelings and notify them of the inmate’s release.
Inmates and their families are responsible for covering the costs of staffing, transportation, and testing, and inmates must settle these costs ahead of time.
Costs and Responsibilities
Inmates and their families are responsible for covering staffing, food, testing, and transportation costs associated with temporary release for funeral services.
This means that the cost of transportation to and from the funeral home, as well as any necessary staffing, must be paid for by the inmate or their family. Additionally, any required testing or medical procedures must also be covered by the inmate or their family.
Inmates are paid an average of 63 cents per hour, which means that covering these expenses can be a significant financial burden for both the inmate and their family. Travel costs, in particular, can be especially high, and must be factored into the overall cost of the temporary release.
Despite the financial challenges, however, it is the responsibility of the inmate and their family to ensure that all necessary expenses are covered in order to obtain approval for the funeral furlough.
Attire and Supervision
Supervision and attire during temporary release for funeral services are important factors to consider. Inmates are required to wear their prison clothes and handcuffs during the funeral service as a security measure. The cuffs limit the inmate’s movement and contact with family and friends, ensuring that they do not try to escape or cause any harm. The supervision of the inmate during the service is also crucial, as it ensures that the inmate is not put in a position to commit any crimes or engage in any illegal activities.
Funeral logistics should also be considered when planning for an inmate’s temporary release. The prison is not responsible for ensuring that the inmate gets to the funeral, and the inmate or their family must cover all transportation costs. Additionally, the inmate must settle all costs, including staffing, food, testing, and transportation, ahead of time. The costs can be significant, and inmates earn an average of 63 cents per hour, making it difficult for some families to afford.
Overall, the supervision and attire during the funeral service, as well as the logistical considerations, are critical to ensuring the safety of the inmate, their family, and the community.
