Under the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, there are three types of temporary absences from prison: escorted temporary absences, unescorted temporary absences and work release. Temporary releases may be granted where it is considered that the inmate will not, by re-offending, present an undue risk to society during the absence. The temporary absence must also fit within the framework of the offender's correctional plan.

Escorted temporary absence is a release in which an offender, either alone or as a member of a group, leaves the institution accompanied by one or several escorting officers.

Unescorted temporary absence is a release, of limited duration, for medical, administrative, community service, family contact, personal development for rehabilitative purposes, or compassionate reasons, including parental responsibilities.

Work release is a structured program of release, established for a specified period of time, involving work or community service outside the penitentiary. This type of program is supervised by a staff member or other person or organization authorized by the institutional head.