Work Release

Work release is a jail alternatives program operated by the Sonoma County Probation Department. Following a criminal conviction, offenders may be eligible to serve that term via work release, when referred by the Court. If accepted to work release, individuals earn credit toward their imposed term either by participating on an assigned work crew in the community or through the Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL). As a jail alternative, work release allows offenders to remain in the community, thereby maintaining their employment and support systems while satisfying their jail term. Approximately 1,000 offenders successfully participate in work release each year, serving over 200 community organizations and completing community projects.