The program also provides a semi-controlled environment in which prisoners and their families can work toward a normal life with help and encouragement rather than being left to flounder after leaving prison. Offenders approaching the last 4 months of a sentence of 12 months or more or approaching the last half of the sentence of 12 months or more are eligible. They must also meet other eligibility criteria. The program uses a simple and flexible design. Electronic monitoring devices are not used. A 6-month evaluation has found offenders' behavior to compare favorably with that of offenders in other programs. The correctional community, other agencies, and the media have been generally positive about the program. Staff are showing high commitment and teamwork, and offenders report that their supervisors are fair and supportive and maintain constructive relationships with offenders and their families. The three essential elements for such programs are the ability to accept the concept of prisoners as people living at home, a commitment in action as well as words, and a commitment to positive risk taking with the ability to withstand some criticism and failures.