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Compassionate release and emergency furloughs

Who qualifies for terminal illness, serious medical or age-related conditions, or family circumstances; how to ask and the deadlines to go to court; what records to gather; how families can help; and furloughs or escorted trips for a funeral or a dying family member. Official sources only.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. This guide does not promise any outcome.

Coverage

Full sections verified against official sources: Idaho, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, Washington DC and federal (BOP). Other states link to their official agency.

What it is (and isn't)

  • Compassionate release is early release for serious illness, old age or a family crisis. Each system has its own name, rules and decision-maker. No one can promise an outcome: many requests are denied or take a long time, and dates change.
  • An emergency furlough or escorted trip for a funeral or a dying family member is different: a short trip, in custody, and the person comes back.

How families can help

  • Family can start or send the request in Idaho, Nevada and the federal system; in Colorado, ask the person or their liaison to file it.
  • Build the release plan: an address, who will provide care, an appointment with a doctor or hospice, coverage (see the Medicaid guide) and transportation.
  • Get letters: from an outside doctor, the caregiver, an employer or church. Ask the person to sign a release so you can get medical information.
  • Keep a log with the date of every submission and reply. For health emergencies, see the "Who do I contact?" guide.

By system (official sources)

Idaho

Last checked: 2026-10-22

Who qualifies

  • Medical parole (Idaho Code 20-1006): the Commission of Pardons and Parole may parole someone who is permanently incapacitated (a non-terminal physical condition that is permanent and irreversible) or terminally ill (an incurable, irreversible terminal condition), and only when it reasonably believes the person no longer threatens public safety. This can happen even before the fixed term ends.
  • Idaho has no separate age-based or family-circumstance release.

How to ask, and deadlines

  • Anyone can start it, including the person, the family, IDOC staff or the health authority. Send a written referral to the facility deputy warden with the person's name, the reason, and how they meet the medical parole requirements.
  • IDOC SOP 324.02.01.002 sets short internal steps: within 3 working days the deputy warden asks the facility health authority for the diagnosis, prognosis and level of care needed; a physician has 5 days to write the medical review letter. If the person may qualify, a parole packet with a parole plan goes to the Commission. The Commission also accepts petitions directly from the person or IDOC staff.
  • If the doctor finds the person does not qualify now, a new review can be asked for if the condition gets worse.
  • There is no court step for this; the Commission decides.

Records to gather

  • The parole plan should show: housing that matches the doctor's recommendations (home, nursing home, hospice), the medical care arranged, how living and medical costs will be paid, family support, and transportation (including medical transport).

Emergency furloughs and escorted trips

  • Furlough (Idaho Code 20-101C) is specifically allowed for funerals and the serious illness or accident of family, at IDOC's discretion. The reason must be verified, supervision and care arranged, and travel paid by the person or family (indigent people may get help from the inmate welfare fund). Leave cannot exceed 72 hours.
  • If a trip is not possible, ask about a special visit; facility heads can approve special visits, usually for immediate family.

Official sources: Idaho Code 20-1006 (medical parole) (opens in new tab) · IDOC SOP 324.02.01.002 (PDF) (opens in new tab) · IDAPA 50.01.01 Commission rules (PDF) (opens in new tab) · Idaho Code 20-101C (furlough) (opens in new tab) · IDOC Visiting SOP (PDF) (opens in new tab)

Colorado

Last checked: 2026-10-22

Who qualifies

  • Special needs parole (C.R.S. 17-22.5-403.5), before or after the parole eligibility date, for someone a licensed health-care provider has diagnosed with a serious impairment that limits the ability to function or a severe cognitive impairment, and who is either 55 or older, or under 55 with no class I disciplinary violation in the last 12 months and a minimum share of the sentence served (25%, 35% or 40% depending on the sentence type). A terminal illness diagnosis takes the place of that time requirement.
  • The Parole Board must find the person is not likely to pose a risk to public safety and approve a plan that ensures supervision and continuity of medical care.

How to ask, and deadlines

  • CDOC must refer people it identifies. The person, or an inmate liaison if the person can't, can also ask CDOC in writing for an eligibility decision; CDOC must decide within 30 days.
  • If the provider documented a qualifying impairment, CDOC can't set that aside because a staff member disagrees, or because it can accommodate the condition inside.
  • The law requires CDOC to share information with public defender liaisons who help special needs parole applicants; ask the case manager how to reach them.

Records to gather

  • The referral includes a summary of the medical or mental condition and diagnosis, the recommended special needs parole plan, a statement from the person, and letters and documents from family and others. Gather: the diagnosis in writing, a care plan, where the person will live, and who will provide care.

Emergency furloughs and escorted trips

  • CDOC has no funeral furloughs. Under AR 300-17 (Escorted Leave), an eligible person can ask through the case manager for an escorted, in-custody trip within Colorado for a final visit with a terminally ill loved one or a private viewing of a deceased loved one. The facility head and the Office of the Director of Prisons must approve, and the person or family pays all costs.
  • Since February 2026, AR 300-17 also allows virtual attendance at funerals by video or phone, as technology allows.

Official sources: C.R.S. Title 17 (17-22.5-403.5, 17-1-102), OLLS (PDF) (opens in new tab) · Colorado Parole Board rules, 8 CCR 1511-1 (opens in new tab) · CDOC: Escorted/Funeral Leave (opens in new tab) · CDOC: Policy updates under HB 25-1013 (opens in new tab) · CDOC: Department policies (opens in new tab)

Nevada

Last checked: 2026-10-22

Who qualifies

  • Medical release (NRS 209.3925): the NDOC Director may place someone in residential confinement or other supervision for the rest of the sentence if they are physically incapacitated or in ill health, or in ill health and expected to die within 18 months, and won't pose a threat to public safety. Two licensed physicians or nurses, one not employed by NDOC, must verify the condition in writing. Not available for death or life-without-parole sentences. It counts as continued imprisonment, not parole.
  • Geriatric parole (NRS 213.12155): the Parole Board may grant it to someone 65 or older who has served most of the maximum term, isn't serving life without parole, poses no significant risk, and was not convicted of a crime of violence, a crime against a child, a sexual offense, or certain DUI homicides, and isn't a habitual criminal.

How to ask, and deadlines

  • Medical release: a written request to the NDOC Director explaining the grounds. It can come from the person, a family member, an attorney or representative, prison staff, or a medical or mental health professional.
  • Geriatric parole: a written application with supporting documents to the Parole Board, from the same list of people. Within 15 days the Board asks NDOC to verify age and time served, and eligible people go on the next parole hearing list.
  • There is no court step; the Director or the Board decides, and nobody has a right to be granted either.

Records to gather

  • The law lists what to send with a geriatric parole application: relevant medical records, parole plans, program participation records, institutional records, and documents about Medicaid or Medicare eligibility. For medical release, gather the diagnosis and prognosis and ask the outside doctor or nurse for a written verification.

Emergency furloughs and escorted trips

  • Temporary furlough (NRS 209.501): the Director may grant furloughs to respond to family emergencies, consistent with classification. Furloughs stay within Nevada and are not available to people serving life without parole or certain other sentences.
  • Ask the caseworker or chaplain right away and have the death or illness verified (a death notice or a letter from the hospital or hospice).

Official sources: NRS Chapter 209 (209.3925, 209.501) (opens in new tab) · NRS Chapter 213 (213.12155) (opens in new tab) · Nevada P&P: Residential Confinement (298 program) (opens in new tab) · Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners (opens in new tab)

Utah

Last checked: 2026-10-22

Who qualifies

  • The Board of Pardons and Parole considers compassionate release only in exceptional circumstances (R671-314), when the person can be safely managed in the community and either: advanced age, infirmity, disease or disability greatly reduces the risk; or a serious, persistent medical condition needs extensive care, nursing home or palliative care, or cannot be treated by UDC.
  • It also covers the death of an immediate family member when the person is within 120 days of a scheduled release (a death certificate or other verification is needed).

How to ask, and deadlines

  • A request can come from UDC, the person, their attorney, or immediate family. Send it to the Board. Repeated or frivolous requests are summarily denied.

Records to gather

  • Medical requests need certified documentation from a licensed medical professional, plus a report from UDC.

Emergency furloughs and escorted trips

  • We did not find a published UDC rule that guarantees leave for a funeral or a family emergency. Ask the case manager or chaplain right away and have the death or illness verified (funeral home or doctor).

Official sources: Utah Board of Pardons and Parole: FAQs (opens in new tab) · Utah Admin. Code R671-314 (compassionate release) (opens in new tab)

District of Columbia

Last checked: 2026-10-22

Who qualifies

  • D.C. Code § 24-403.04 says the court shall reduce a DC Code felony sentence if the person is not a danger to others and: has a terminal illness; or is 60 or older and has served at least 20 years; or has another extraordinary and compelling reason.
  • Listed examples: an incurable debilitating illness or injury; age 60+ with the lesser of 15 years or 75% served and a serious age-related condition; the death or incapacity of the family caregiver of the person’s children; or a spouse or partner who is incapacitated when the person would be the only caregiver.

How to ask, and deadlines

  • A motion goes to DC Superior Court. It can be filed by the person (with or without a lawyer), the U.S. Attorney’s Office for DC, the BOP, or the USPC. Unlike federal law, the person does not have to ask the BOP first.
  • Pro se motions: Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Attn: Criminal Division, Moultrie Courthouse, 500 Indiana Avenue NW, Suite 2500, Washington, DC 20001. Include the name, case name and case number.

Records to gather

  • The court looks at evidence of rehabilitation while incarcerated. Gather medical records, program certificates and a release plan.

Emergency furloughs and escorted trips

  • DC Code felony sentences are served in the federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). For someone in a BOP prison, see the federal section. Emergency leave for a funeral or family illness follows BOP rules.

Official sources: D.C. Code § 24-403.04 (opens in new tab) · DC Corrections Information Council: Legislative Resources booklet (PDF) (opens in new tab)

Federal (BOP)

Last checked: 2026-10-22

Who qualifies

  • A federal court can reduce a sentence for "extraordinary and compelling reasons" under 18 U.S.C. 3582(c)(1)(A). The Sentencing Commission's policy statement, USSG §1B1.13, lists them:
  • Medical: a terminal illness (no specific life expectancy needed); a serious condition, impairment or age-related decline that substantially diminishes self-care in prison with no expected recovery; or needed long-term or specialized care that isn't being provided.
  • Age: 65 or older, serious age-related deterioration, and at least 10 years or 75% of the term served, whichever is less.
  • Family: death or incapacity of the caregiver of a minor child (or an adult child who can't care for themselves); or incapacity of a spouse, registered partner or parent (or similar immediate family) when the person would be the only available caregiver.
  • Also: abuse in custody by staff, other reasons of similar gravity, and in limited cases an unusually long sentence after 10 years served.

How to ask, and deadlines

  • Step 1, the Warden: submit a written request to the Warden (or the Residential Reentry Manager for halfway house or home confinement). Family or others may submit it; BOP treats it the same as the person's own request. It must state the extraordinary or compelling circumstances and a release plan (where the person will live, how they'll be supported, and for health requests, where they'll get treatment and how it will be paid). Keep a copy and note the date the Warden received it.
  • Step 2, the court: the person can file their own motion in the sentencing court after 30 days have passed from the Warden's receipt of the request, or after fully exhausting BOP appeals, whichever comes first.
  • A Warden's denial comes with written reasons and can be appealed through the Administrative Remedy Program. A denial by BOP's General Counsel or Director is final within BOP.
  • BOP's own policy changed: Program Statement 5050.50 was replaced by PS 5050.51 on September 3, 2026, which removed BOP's child-caregiver, spouse-caregiver and some elderly categories for BOP-filed motions. The court still applies USSG §1B1.13 to the person's own motion. Ask a lawyer or the Federal Defender about the court step.

Records to gather

  • For medical requests, BOP's referral includes a Comprehensive Medical Summary from the attending physician with a life-expectancy estimate, plus relevant tests and specialist opinions. Ask Health Services for copies.
  • Also useful: the judgment and sentence computation, a recent progress report, proof of family circumstances (death certificate, doctor's letter about a caregiver's incapacity, custody or guardianship papers), and a release plan with an address, income or benefits, and medical care.

Emergency furloughs and escorted trips

  • Emergency escorted trip (28 CFR 570.42; PS 5538.09): staff can escort a person to the funeral or bedside of an immediate family member (mother, father, brother, sister, spouse, children, step-parents and foster parents).
  • Emergency furlough (28 CFR 570.33; PS 5280.09): an unescorted furlough to address a family crisis, for eligible lower-security people. The person or family pays all costs (transportation, food, lodging).
  • Contact the unit team or chaplain right away with proof (a death notice or a letter from the hospital or hospice).

Official sources: BOP PS 5050.51, Compassionate Release/Reduction in Sentence (PDF) (opens in new tab) · 28 CFR 571 subpart G (opens in new tab) · USSG §1B1.13 (Amendment 814) (opens in new tab) · 18 U.S.C. 3582 (opens in new tab) · 28 CFR 570 (furloughs, escorted trips) (opens in new tab) · BOP PS 5538.09, Escorted Trips (PDF) (opens in new tab) · BOP PS 5280.09, Furloughs (PDF) (opens in new tab)

Other states

We haven't verified these rules for these states yet. Ask the agency about "medical release", "medical or geriatric parole" or "clemency", and about funeral leave:

Printable request letter

Date: ______________________

To: ______________________ (Warden / deputy warden / Director / Board, depending on your system), ______________________ (facility or agency name and address)

From: ______________________ (full name), ID number: ______________________, housing unit: ______________________

If a family member is writing: I, ______________________, am the ______________________ (relationship) of the person named above and am writing on their behalf.

Re: Request for ______________________ (compassionate release / reduction in sentence / medical parole / special needs parole / medical release / geriatric parole)

1. Extraordinary or compelling reason: __________________________________________________________________ (diagnosis and prognosis, age and decline, or the family situation, with dates).

2. Why the care or situation can't be handled in prison: ____________________________________________

3. Release plan: will live at ______________________ with ______________________; medical care at ______________________; costs paid by ______________________ (Medicaid, Medicare, insurance, benefits, family); transportation: ______________________.

4. Attached documents: ____________________________________________ (medical records, doctors' letters, certificates, support letters).

I ask that this request be considered and that I receive the decision and the reasons in writing. Thank you.

Signature: ______________________

Keep a copy, write down the date it was handed in or mailed, and ask for a receipt if you can.

General information, not legal advice. No affiliate links or sponsors. Who do I contact? Pick the problem and the state · Restarting Medicaid after prison, and the first 72 hours

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