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Short-Term Transitional Leave

Short-term Transitional Leave FAQ

Questions

Select a question to expand the box and read the answer.​

​A: Short-term transitional leave (STTL) was developed to enhance the transition planning process for inmates. STTL provides an incentive to successfully complete any recommended programming, excel at work assignments, maintain good behavior, and create a more effective plan for a successful transition. In addition to improving the transition process, STTL has been successful in providing a huge cost savings for the State of Oregon.

Originally, the maximum amount of short-term transitional leave an inmate was eligible for was 30 days. In 2013, the legislature expanded STTL to 90 days. Due to the overall success of the program, stemming from the low rate of STTL failures, cost savings to the State of Oregon, and the postponement of additional prison construction, the program was again expanded in 2018 to 120 days. The amount of STTL an inmate is eligible for depends on their sentencing date.

A: For an inmate to qualify for Short-term Transitional Leave (STTL):​

  • The crime must be statutorily eligible for STTL
  • The judgment must include appropriate language to allow STTL eligibility
  • Must be minimum custody
  • Must not have failed AIP​ or STTL during the current or immediately preceding term of incarceration
  • Must not have received any Level 1 or 2 Misconducts or Failure of a Corrections Plan within 15 months of release
  • Must not have committed any new crimes during the current term of incarceration
  • The county of release must approve of the plan
  • Must have approved housing
  • Ultimate approval of STTL is at the discretion of the Oregon Department of Corrections


​A: Once an inmate is within their release window (typically 6 months before their release date) they will meet with a release counselor. The release counselor will discuss various transition options and will work with the inmate to develop a plan for release. The plan is then sent to the county for investigation. If the county approves the plan, and the inmate qualifies, they may be released onto STTL up to 120 days early (depending on a number of factors including sentencing date).

​A: Parole and probation officers may address violations of short-term transitional leave in a number of ways depending on the severity of the violation. Violations may result in the individual being returned to prison to serve the remainder of their sentence.