Pre-Release Center
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The Cook County Sheriff’s Pre-Release Center (PRC) is a secure residential drug treatment program for pre-trial inmates. A minimum security facility located at 31st and California, the PRC maintains a daily average census of approximately 449 inmates. Using a variety of methods, it aims to break the cycle of drug addiction and criminality.
More than 29,000 inmates have been inducted into the program since it opened in September 1993. All inmates participate in a 12-step program providing the necessary education to remove chemical dependency and associated criminality from their lives. Inmates are enrolled in self-help groups, learn personal living skills, attend adult education/GED classes and Virtual High School Computer Classes for 17-21 year olds. PRC’s goal is to motivate substance abusers toward a drug-free and responsible lifestyle through seminars, workshops, group and individual counseling, and outside support services. One of the educational programs PRC has, is an Award Winning Garden and Greenhouse, which gives inmates an opportunity to earn a Gardener Certificate. In the past 18 years 65 tons of vegetables have been harvested.
Who Is Eligible For PRC?
The Pre-Release staff reviews jail records on a daily basis to find eligible inmates. Basically, any inmate of the Cook County Department of Corrections with a substance abuse problem not charged with any of the following offenses will be given consideration for the Pre- Release Center: 
- All Class X crimes
- Bonds over $300,000
- Most Class I felonies
- Most person-on-person crimes
- Psychiatric Unit inmates
- Sex offenders
Inmates must be willing to abide by the PRC’s rules
and to participate in programming
| 6:00 - 7:15 a.m | Wake-up and Breakfast |
| 7:15 - 9:00 a.m. | Cleanup and Inspection Each inmate is responsible for not only his own space and belongings, but an assigned public area. |
| 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. | Virtual High School for 17-21 Year Olds. |
| 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Personal growth and development groups All inmates participate in these group discussions on such things as behaviorial issues, leadership development and family issues. |
| 11:00 - 12:30 p.m | Lunch |
| 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. | Therapeutic Sessions Mentoring programs as well as group discussions on behaviorial expectations, interpersonal skills, dress codes and safety protocols. |
| 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. | Individual Assignments |
| 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Educational and treatment milieu All inmates participate in these discussions designed to encourage inmates to become more socially involved. |
| 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Adult education/GED classes All are encouraged to attend these courses administered by Safer Foundation. |
| 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Dinner |
| 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. | Life Skills and Self Help |
| 7:30 - 10:00 p.m. | Free Time |
| 10:00 p.m. | Lights Out! |
Home > Departments > Department of Reentry and Diversion > Pre- Release Center
Pre-Release Center
3026 South California Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60608
773.869.638