Reviewed on: April 05,2026
General Prison Questions-Terminology

What happens to work release after a transfer

My inmate was in Henrico County Jail he had work release then suddenly they moved him to Dillwyn Correctional Center. Now what will be the situation with his work release? Can i send him email or send him here and this site will deliver the letter to him?

When an inmate is transferred from a local jail like Henrico County Jail to a state facility such as Dillwyn Correctional Center, their situation can change
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Answered by a former federal inmate · 14+ years advising families
✓ Verified answer January 16,2013 · General Prison Questions-Terminology
1

When an inmate is transferred from a local jail like Henrico County Jail to a state facility such as Dillwyn Correctional Center, their situation can change significantly. Work release programs are typically managed at the local or county level, and they do not automatically transfer with the inmate to a state prison.

In most cases, once someone is moved to a state correctional center, their previous work release status ends. State facilities have their own classification process, and eligibility for any type of work program is reassessed from the beginning. Some state prisons do offer institutional jobs or limited work programs, but these are very different from county work release and usually do not allow the inmate to leave the facility for employment in the community.

As for communication, state prisons generally do not offer direct email access for personal messages. However, you can absolutely send letters. Through InmateAid, you can create a profile for your inmate and use the Send Inmate Letter service. You write the letter from your computer, and it is printed and delivered through the US Mail directly to the facility. This is often faster and more reliable than traditional mailing, especially during transfers when inmates are still getting settled.

You can also use InmateAid to send postcards, photos, and even magazines, depending on the facility’s rules. Keeping communication consistent during a transfer is important, since this is when inmates are adjusting to new policies, housing, and routines.

If you want to know whether he might qualify for any programs at Dillwyn, it will depend on his new classification once he is fully processed into the system.

Accepted Answer Date Created: January 16,2013
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About this answer: This response was prepared by InmateAid’s editorial team in consultation with former inmates who have direct experience with the federal correctional system. InmateAid has served families of the incarcerated since 2012. This is general information only — not legal advice. Last reviewed April 2026.