NY A02820

Department of Corrections must provide comprehensive discharge plans to all incarcerated individuals prior to release, including planning for mental health, medical care, housing, employment, and substance use disorder services prepared in consultation with nonprofit providers.

Department must begin preparing discharge plans no later than 45 days before release and provide completed plans to the individual and service providers at least 7 days prior to release; all services are voluntary unless otherwise required by law.

For individuals without adequate housing, the department must obtain non-shelter placement (permanent, transitional, or supportive housing) and arrange transportation; if individual declines housing and is placed in shelter, department must continue assisting to obtain permanent housing and report monthly to reentry providers and social services districts.

Department must offer transitional or long-term employment upon release and coordinate with reentry providers in the local jurisdiction, sharing personal information only with the individual's informed written consent in accordance with privacy laws.

Nothing in this section shall delay release while completing discharge plan requirements, and the department cannot condition release on program participation unless otherwise required by the Board of Parole.