NCJ Number
248736
Date Published
September 2003
Length
12 pages
Annotation
After providing an overview of the findings of a project that examined ways to successfully establish and improve the locating of halfway houses in communities, this monograph presents an annotated reference list on this topic.
Abstract
The Center for Community Corrections used a variety of tools and techniques in examining evidence on whether listening to and involving community members can positively impact the successful locating of halfway houses and related justice services in neighborhoods. The project focused on six sites in different regions of the United States. Six study findings are reported. First, to be successfully integrated into a community, a halfway house needs a public that understands its purpose and neighbors who are comfortable with its procedures. Second, the successful locating of a halfway house is more likely if there is public confidence that it will be a well-managed program, with access to drug and alcohol treatment and job development. Third, correctional leaders can do a lot to encourage community input and ongoing involvement. Fourth, successful locating of a halfway house will be easier if there are known or visible contributions to the community. Fifth, although it seems unrealistic to many correctional leaders, the public is more likely to accept placement of the halfway house if all but small programs are conducted outside the residential neighborhood. Sixth, correctional professionals will be more likely to succeed when there has been a careful assessment of the community prior to entering it. The annotated references following this overview of study findings are grouped under the following topics: crime impact, effective programs (what works), intergovernmental relations and collaboration, local government zoning and property values, NIMBY (not in my backyard) and citizen opposition, public opinion, site selection practices, and reintegration.