PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Thousands of federal drug inmates are returning home to communities across the U.S. through an early-release program, and experts say they could find the adjustment difficult.

Associated Press interviews with lawyers, prisoner advocates, parole officials and a federal judge show it’s unclear how much support they’ll find to navigate the re-entry process.

About 2,000 of the 6,000 being released will be deported. Most will be steered to traditional probation programs. Some will enter public or private programs that offer counseling, job training and other support to help them ease back into society, a concept that’s expanding nationwide. Experts say those programs reduce the risk of reoffending.

Most of those approved for the program have already been moved to halfway houses or home confinement ahead of their release around Nov. 1. They’re the first wave being freed as part of a national effort to reduce drug sentences.