Halfway House Defined

Published: 07/22/2009

The ideal is that felons will establish community roots, obtain and maintain employment and comply with the requirements set forth, so as not to return to a life of criminal activity. Most communities do not want a halfway house type of facility in "their backyard".

The drug treatment industry adopted the term halfway house and began setting up or supporting independent halfway houses as a way for the newly discharged client to establish roots, secure gainful employment, stay connected with the treatment center and NOT return to a life of drug use. Halfway houses usually have strict guidelines for all residents, including curfews and mandatory, random drug testing. These facilities are for-profit, non-profit and not-for-profit companies.

These entities are often a step down in terms of structure and accountability from a Halfway House. The residents in a 3/4 Way House have less responsibility to the operators as far as reporting, curfews and drug testing. More personal responsibility and independence is expected from both residents and operators. These facilities may operate as quasi-halfway houses, have individual management plans in place for certain residents and flex in either direction to more or less structure. Facilities may be for-profit or non-profit

Modeled after "Oxford" many are smoothly operating houses or apartment complexes operated by a new breed of landlord. Hands on, active and in touch with each resident, sober houses are even further along the continuum of care available. For many residents, this is the best they have had it. A drug free community, few rules if any, and almost complete independence to integrate the principles of recovery at their own pace.