§ 876. Eligibility for reduction of sentence, parole or conditional release. Nothing in this article shall be construed to prejudice the eligibility of any prisoner participating in a work release program for the purposes of discretionary reduction of sentence, parole or conditional release except absconding from work release as defined by section 205.16 of the penal law; provided, however, that the participation of any prisoner in such program may be considered favorably for such purposes if such participation has assisted in the rehabilitation of such prisoner.