BOP Program Statement 5405.01 § 3

(a) Evidence-Based Recidivism Reduction (EBRR) Program. An EBRR Program is a group or

individual activity that has been shown by empirical evidence to reduce recidivism or is based on

research indicating that it is likely to be effective in reducing recidivism; and is designed to help

prisoners succeed in their communities upon release from prison. EBRR Programs may include,

but are not limited to, those involving the following types of activities:

(1) Social learning and communication, interpersonal, anti-bullying, rejection response, and

other life skills;

(2) Family relationship building, structured parent-child interaction, and parenting skills;

(3) Classes on morals or ethics;

(4) Academic classes;

(5) Cognitive behavioral treatment;

(6) Mentoring;

(7) Substance abuse treatment;

(8) Vocational training;

(9) Faith-based classes or services;

(10) Civic engagement and reintegrative community services;

(11) Inmate work and employment opportunities;

(12) Victim impact classes or other restorative justice programs; and

(13) Trauma counseling and trauma-informed support programs.

(b) Productive Activity (PA). A PA is a group or individual activity that allows an inmate to

remain productive and thereby maintain or work toward achieving a minimum or low risk of

recidivating.

PAs are structured groups or individual activities that promote prosocial behavior and enhance

skills to address identified needs.

5405.01 5/7/2026 Federal Regulations from 28 CFR: this type. Implementing instructions: this type. 2

c. Successful program participation. In general, to successfully participate in a program,

inmates must:

 attend all sessions with only excused absences,

 complete all assigned activities and work, and

 comply with all program rules and instructions set forth by the program

manager/facilitator.

Successful participation in programming may lead to earning various incentives. Please refer

to the FSA pages of the Bureau’s public and intranet sites for specific eligibility criteria. FTC

eligibility, earning, and application criteria are found in the Program Statement First Step Act

of 2018 - Time Credits: Procedures for Implementation of 18 U.S.C. § 3632(d)(4).

d. Non-FSA Programs. Other programs and activities designed to prepare inmates for

reentry, reduce idleness, contribute to overall positive institution adjustment, and help maintain

clear institution conduct, but do not adequately address one or more identified needs. Some

examples include team sports, mock job fairs, physical exercise, special pre-release events,

reentry simulations, and worship services. The programs offered vary by institution dependent

upon the facility's security level and operational needs; non-FSA programs are not included in

the FSA Approved Programs Guide and participants are not entitled to incentives under the

FSA.