What Is Halfway House

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halfway house is an institution that provides a structured living environment for those with mental disabilities and drug addictions or those being released from incarceration. Halfway houses provide accountability and supervision for those who are reintegrating themselves into society and helps to ease this transitioning process.

What Is the Purpose of a Halfway House?

Halfway houses are designed to help and support those who have not been able to participate in society in a constructive way to readapt and transition back into society. Halfway houses are designed to be a temporary step during this transitional process and provide structure and assistance for those who are starting to reintegrate themselves into normal societal life.

What to Expect in a Halfway House Environment

A halfway house environment will include living with other people, most of whom have just completed rehab or time in prison. Halfway houses will have strict rules but will be less rigorous and regimented than rehab. Halfway houses will typically allow for people to leave unsupervised for part of the day and will normally require seeking or participating in gainful employment.

Who Can Live in a Halfway House?

Halfway houses are primarily known for housing criminals who have just been released from incarceration, but others may also live in halfway houses. Those who have just completed rehab can live in a halfway house as a way to transition back into society while still living in a structured environment that will help them to maintain their sobriety. Halfway houses may also house those with mental illnesses or physical disabilities who are reintegrating into society.

What Are Some Common Rules & Regulations?

The rules and regulations that a halfway house requires will vary based on the particular facility. Typically, halfway houses will impose curfews that must be followed, have visitation guidelines, restrict any kind of violence or stealing, require chores that must be completed and require sobriety. Halfway houses may also require that those living there either be employed or seeking employment and may require participation in certain recovery programs.

What’s the Difference Between a Sober House and a Halfway House?

The main difference between sober houses and halfway houses is that sober houses, also called sober living facilities, are often affiliated with a rehab facility or network and focus primarily on helping those who have just completed rehab. Halfway houses, on the other hand, are normally run by government agencies and may include those just released from incarceration, in addition to those who have just completed rehab.

What Is a Federal Halfway House?

A federal halfway house is a halfway house that is designed for federal prisoners after their incarceration. Federal halfway houses are for inmates who have committed a federal crime and are not for criminals who are incarcerated for breaking state laws.

How Much Does a Halfway House Cost?

The cost of a halfway house varies considerably and may be a percentage of your income or a fixed amount. Halfway houses typically cost less than sober houses and may be partially funded by the government. The cost of living in a halfway house will typically be less than living in an apartment in the same area.

How to Find a Halfway House in Colorado

To find a halfway house in Colorado, you can search online directories that provide listings of halfway houses. You can also contact the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice for a listing of halfway houses used by the state of Colorado. The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake can also be contacted to provide you with information about halfway houses or sober living facilities in Colorado.

What Are Some Other Aftercare Options?

There are other aftercare options for those who have completed rehab and are wanting to ensure they maintain their sobriety but do not want to live in a halfway house. Some alternative aftercare options include participating in outpatient therapy, support groups, and alumni programs. Case managers can also provide information about aftercare options that could be beneficial in a particular case or situation.

Sources

Kramer, Lindsay. “Rules for Halfway Houses.” Leaf Group Media, December 09, 2018. Accessed October 27, 2019.

Halfway Houses. “Colorado Halfway Houses.” 2019. Accessed October 27, 2019.

Colorado Department of Public Safety. “Contact Us.” 2019. Accessed October 27, 2019.

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