RT Article
T1 The Effects of Halfway Houses on Criminal Recidivism: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
JF International journal of offender therapy and comparative criminology
VO 69
IS 12
SP 1781
OP 1804
A1 Wong, Jennifer S.
A1 Neilsen, Kia
A1 Gushue, Kelsey
A1 Lee, Chelsey
A2 Neilsen, Kia
A2 Gushue, Kelsey
A2 Lee, Chelsey
LA English
YR 2025
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1932042482
AB Halfway houses operate as a form of community supervision, offering a unique opportunity for individuals who have offended to receive housing, support, and other resources to aid in navigating the challenges of re-entry from closed custody. Despite being controversial in the eyes of the public, they have long been viewed by stakeholders as a worthwhile intervention. However, existing literature presents mixed findings on their utility. The current study provides a systematic review and meta-analysis of nine studies providing 17 effect sizes on the effects of halfway houses on recidivism. Findings indicate that halfway houses do not result in any differences for treatment versus comparison group participants with respect to outcomes of arrest (k = 6), conviction (k = 5), or incarceration (k = 6). Additional research is needed to inform best practices for structure and services, and how best to respond to differing participant needs.
K1 Meta-analysis
K1 Systematic Review
K1 residential re-entry center
K1 Recidivism
K1 Halfway House
DO 10.1177/0306624X251327574