PreStart deemphasizes the surveillance and supervision functions of parole, while emphasizing referrals to social services that might help inmates reintegrate into society. PreStart contains two distinct phases, prerelease education and postrelease assistance. This evaluation was based on PreStart written documentation, staff and inmate questionnaires, follow-up interviews with released inmates, site observations, and recidivism data. The evaluation found that the Illinois Department of Corrections had done a commendable job in developing an innovative inmate reintegration program while working with inadequate resources and a correctional culture not previously oriented toward improving inmate behavior. Although PreStart has not lived up to its potential, particularly in terms of delivering postrelease assistance and services, the Department is moving toward fulfilling the promises embodied in the original PreStart philosophy.