Your friend might have been granted parole but is awaiting release. Inmates are usually interviewed by the Board four months prior to parole eligibility. The reason for this is to allow enough time for a thorough investigation to be conducted on those inmates granted parole with regard to the parolee's residence and programs etc. Inmates cannot be released on parole until the minimum eligibility date is met, and the parole plan has been approved by Parole and Probation.