Release conditions

Release dates

Release dates are determined by sentencing laws, the sentencing judge and the SA Parole Board.

Some prisoners will automatically have standard conditions imposed while others will have additional conditions added to their order. Some prisoners may be eligible for temporary release which is granted on a case-by-case basis.

Applying for parole

The Parole Board review the prisoner's case and decide whether or not to grant parole. They will also decide upon the specific conditions of the release.

DCS are not responsible for parole or a prisoners sentence, its conditions or duration.

DCS’ role is to manage prisoners who have been sentenced by the court.

Parole conditions

Offenders sentenced to one and two years automatically have standard conditions set unless the court states otherwise. The judge may impose special release conditions on a case by case basis.

The Parole Board can set specific conditions at a prisoner's release. When a prisoner has been released with conditions they are classed as an offender rather than a prisoner.

A community corrections officer will manage the offender to ensure they comply with the conditions of their order.

For further information on parole and parole conditions visit parole in community corrections.

Temporary release

Every prisoner can apply for a leave of absence from prison for compassionate reasons. This could be for a funeral, a family visit or a home visit. It can be granted when it is recognised that the leave will aid the prisoner's rehabilitation.

This is only granted when the prisoner is eligible and eligibility depends upon many factors. A multi-disciplinary team will make the decision and inform the prisoner of the outcome.

If leave is granted for compassionate reasons (such as a funeral), the prisoner is likely to be cuffed and accompanied by officers for the duration of the escort. The family will be advised of this condition in advance.

The prisoner’s case manager will be able provide further information on how to apply. Prisoners in low security prisons may also be eligible to:

  • participate in work release programs
  • conduct job searches towards the end of their sentence
  • attend one of the many training programs we run to help with their rehabilitation.