NCJ Number
105077
Date Published
1985
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Halfway houses can effectively serve the purposes of protecting the community and reintegrating ex-offenders in society, but they will achieve these goals only with citizen support and awareness of their cost-effectiveness and of the need for such programs for the 95 percent of offenders who return to society.
Abstract
Halfway houses have a long history in the United States, although they fell into disuse between the 1930's and 1950's. Their revival in the 1950's arose from many sources, and halfway houses are clearly here to stay. The programs can be grouped into two basic categories: (1) halfway-in programs that are designed for probationers and deliberately create an uncomfortable atmosphere for the offender and (2) halfway-out programs that are designed for offenders released on parole and provide a homelike and supportive environment aimed at aiding the offender's readjustment to society. Many halfway houses serve particular types of offenders. Private organizations run the majority of programs, which have staffing that varies with the program's size and type. Costs are substantially lower than for institutional programs. However, halfway houses face funding problems, problems in finding community locations, and problems in selecting residents and maintaining service quality. Evaluations of halfway houses face numerous methodological problems, but they show these programs' effectiveness. The current trends toward punishment and stiffer sentences will not eliminate the need for halfway houses. In fact, the risk of returning to prison for new crimes will be increased for offenders who do not receive these programs. Halfway houses will continue to operate on a contract basis. They need to double their size and become cost-effective. Efforts will also be needed to make the public aware of the role and effectiveness of these programs. 21 references.