Halfway houses as a mechanism for the reintegration of offenders

Abstract

The Department of Correctional Services sees the need for intensive preparation of inmates for reintegration into the community after release. Presently the Department of Correctional Services conducts pre-release preparation programmes in larger institutions. The inmates are, however, detained in institutions where the influence from other inmates is not conducive to the effective preparation of inmates for adjustment in free society after release or placement on parole. The use of halfway houses can combat the latter problems and play an important role in providing educational and training programmes. Specialised services such as social work; religious work, counselling, psychological treatment and psychiatry receive attention. Inmates who are merely released from prison without effective preparation are likely to resort to recidivism