RDAP and FSA
Why Programs Matter
If you’re facing a federal sentence, you need to learn about every opportunity for administrative relief—ways to shorten your time in custody. Judges impose sentences in months, but how you serve those months depends on how well you prepare.
When I served 26 years in federal prison, I learned that people who understood available programs, documented their efforts, and built mitigation strategies often advanced their release dates. That’s why I emphasize self-education over paying “consultants.” You are the CEO of your own life.
RDAP – Residential Drug Abuse Program
The Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) is the only Bureau of Prisons (BOP) program that offers an objective sentence reduction. According to the BOP, eligibility requires:
- A verifiable history of substance use within 12 months of arrest or the offense (documented in the Presentence Investigation Report).
- Meeting clinical criteria under DSM-5, the standard manual used by professionals to define and diagnose mental disorders.
Sentence reductions vary by sentence length:
- 24 months or less → up to 6 months off
- 25–36 months → up to 9 months off
- More than 36 months → up to 12 months off
Many people lose eligibility because they fail to disclose substance use during their PSR interview. Don’t make that mistake if you qualify.
Reference: BOP RDAP Program Statement
First Step Act (FSA)
The First Step Act (2018) created opportunities to earn additional time credits for completing approved programs and productive activities. The law excludes certain offenses, but if your conviction qualifies, you can earn:
- 10 days of credit per 30 days of programming for the first 6 months
- 15 days per 30 days after your next risk assessment (if you remain low or minimum risk)
Credits can:
- Shorten time in custody (up to 12 months directly off your sentence)
- Transfer you earlier to halfway house or home confinement
Reference: BOP FSA Information
Combining Benefits
When stacked together, RDAP + FSA + statutory good time can substantially shorten a sentence. For example:
- A 60-month sentence may result in release in around 20 months with full program participation and credits.
Even if your offense is disqualifying under FSA, you still benefit from documenting growth. A strong personal profile helps position you for other administrative relief or advocacy efforts.
Building Your Record
You don’t need consultants. Instead, use free tools at PrisonProfessors.org:
- Profile Builder: Document your biography, journals, book reports, and release plan.
- Courses: Including Preparing for Success after Prison, which qualifies for FSA credits inside BOP.
- AI Tool: Ask questions about the PSR, programs, and strategies.
I always make three promises:
- I’ll never lie to you.
- I’ll never ask you to do anything I didn’t do.
- I’ll never charge you a penny for resources at PrisonProfessors.org.
For one-on-one support, I only recommend our nonprofit sponsor at WhiteCollarAdvice.com/Nonprofit, where you can join free interactive webinars.
Key Takeaways
- RDAP is the only BOP program with guaranteed sentence reductions.
- First Step Act offers credits for eligible inmates who complete approved programs.
- Together with good time, these can cut years off a sentence.
- Your PSR must document substance use if you want RDAP eligibility.
- Building a profile and documenting growth strengthens future advocacy for release.
Self-Directed Exercise
In your Prison Professors profile, write and publish responses to:
- Did you have substance use within 12 months before your arrest? If so, how will you ensure this is documented accurately in your PSR?
- What programs or activities can you commit to completing in prison to earn FSA credits?
- How will you document progress—journals, certificates, book reports—so you can use them for self-advocacy later?
By doing this, you create a time-stamped record that supports your eligibility and demonstrates your commitment to reform.
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