(a) After receiving an application, the Program Administrator must investigate and evaluate the inmate and, based on a structured selection process, determine whether the inmate meets the standards of eligibility in Section 13-14.
(b) The Program Administrator may give priority in selection and assignment to an inmate who demonstrates a family or financial need or other circumstances warranting participation in the Program.
(c) The Program Administrator may give priority to an inmate who is a County resident over a nonresident.
(d) The Program Administrator must develop a standardized method of screening individuals for the Program. The Program Administrator may consider the following factors:
(i) the intent of the committing court;
(ii) time in confinement;
(iii) the offense for which the inmate was convicted;
(iv) the inmate’s past criminal and institutional history;
(v) availability of work and transportation;
(vi) community needs (such as those of a family member or employer);
(vii) the inmate’s history of alcohol or drug addiction;
(viii) the inmate’s current institutional performance and adjustment (if applicable);
(ix) the inmate’s need for treatment;
(x) an evaluation of the inmate's maturity, attitude, trust, and motivation to become involved in Program opportunities; and
(xi) any other item the Program Administrator finds appropriate.
(e) Based on this standardized selection process and standards of eligibility, the Program Administrator must recommend to the appropriate court or correctional authority placement of an inmate in the Program. The Program Administrator has full discretion to recommend or decline to recommend an inmate. No inmate has a right to participate in the Program or in any specific component of the Program.
(f) After receiving a report from the Program Administrator, the court or correctional authority having jurisdiction may approve or disapprove the Program Administrator's recommendation. After receiving the court’s decision, Division staff must notify the inmate of the decision.
(g) An inmate must not be placed in the Program unless the Program Administrator finds that:
(1) the inmate meets the eligibility standards of the Program and is suitable for the Program; and
(2) adequate staff and facilities are available to manage the Program and supervise the inmate.
(h) If an inmate’s application is disapproved, the inmate is not eligible to submit another application to the Program for 60 days after the disapproval. (1976 L.M.C., ch. 24, § 1; 1980 L.M.C., ch. 6, § 5; 2006 L.M.C., ch. 31, § 1; 2023 L.M.C., ch. 12, §1.)