FI-4R — what it actually means
Official definition
Transfer the offender to the TDCJ Sex Offender Education Program (SOEP), with release to parole only after program completion and no earlier than four months from the specified date.
In plain English
Parole was APPROVED, but SOEP must be completed first. Release cannot happen before four months from the date named in the vote, even if the program is finished sooner.
What happens next
1. Approval is recorded with a specified month and year. 2. Transfer to SOEP occurs; timing varies. 3. The person completes SOEP; duration varies. 4. Release to parole may occur only after completion and at least four months from the specified date; further timing varies.
What you can do now
- Record the specified month and year shown with the vote.
- Ask the person to share official SOEP placement information.
- Keep the proposed release address and contact details current.
- Prepare reentry support for a release no earlier than the stated minimum.
Families often get this wrong
Four months is a minimum from the specified date, not a guaranteed release date or a promise that transfer will happen immediately.
Source: official BPP page
The full picture, in one guide
Every vote code, the complete review timeline, support-letter rules, visitation, money and phone how-tos — written for families, in plain English.