You will need to apply for the various release options at least 6 months before these dates. It is good idea to ask other women inside or an advocacy agency how long it takes to prepare such applications. This will give you a good indication of when you should start putting together the necessary paperwork so you can submit your application at least 6 months prior to your eligibility date.

What is Accelerated Parole Review (APR), and am I eligible?
You may be eligible for APR if:

1. you are in prison for the first time,
2. you are convicted of a non-violent crime,
3. you have not had a release (day parole) revoked earlier in your sentence, and
4. you have not received an additional sentence while serving your first sentence. ²²⁷

If you are eligible, Accelerated Parole Review allows you to be granted day and full parole at your earliest eligibility dates. You do not have to go before the NPB in person for a hearing. The NPB usually makes what is known as a paper decision (a decision based on the documents in your file only). If the NPB is satisfied on reasonable grounds that you are not likely to commit “an offence involving violence” before the expiration of your sentence,²²⁸ you will most likely be granted day parole.

If, after reviewing your file, the NPB is not satisfied you meet the criteria for the APR, then you are still entitled to appear before an NPB panel for a hearing to apply for release.

Types of Releases

Temporary Absences (ETAs and UTAs)

What is a Temporary Absence (TA)?
Temporary Absences (TAs) are usually your first absences from the prison. These are the first types of absences for which you are eligible. There are two types of TA, Escorted Temporary Absences (ETAs) and Unescorted Temporary Absences (UTAs).