Origin

• Halfway houses originated in England and were established in the United States in the early 1800s. Halfway houses are generally used in conjunction with the United States legal system. Offenders may be told to go to a halfway house after a first offense or may be assigned to a halfway house upon parole. The length of stay of the resident depends on the person evaluating them, such as the judge or the parole board.
  
  

Purpose

• Halfway houses were initially created as a stopping point for travelers, but they eventually became a place for parolees to reenter society. Halfway houses for criminals have often been seen as controversial; however, halfway house staff members can help parolees find jobs, attain mental health services and have a stable living situation.
  
  

Benefits

• When a parolee moves into the halfway house, they need to register and improve their status and deal with the transition into living in society again. The benefit of the halfway house is that it incorporates therapy and counseling as well as gives residents specific expectations. Staffers can help the residents by supplying letters to potential employers or landlords to discuss their progress and positive actions. In some halfway houses, parolees are offered educational programs, such as computer classes to make them more employable. Parolees also have the ability to reestablish family ties and participate in family activities.
  
  

Alternatives

• Two of the alternatives used for early prison release is electronic monitoring and home confinement. Electronic monitors require that parolees wear a monitoring device which transmits their location to the probation officer. House arrest or confinement requires that a person remain confined to a residence, and travel is restricted. Offenders may retain some freedom, depending on the offense. Some may be allowed to continue work and only require confinement during specific hours.