Residential Reentry Centers (Halfway Houses)

Residential Reentry Centers (RRCs), commonly known as halfway houses, are community-based residential facilities where federal inmates serve the final portion of their Bureau of Prisons (BOP) sentence while transitioning to community life. RRCs provide a structured bridge between the controlled environment of prison and the relative freedom of supervised release, allowing individuals to seek employment, reconnect with family, and establish the foundation for successful reintegration.

Understanding the RRC system is essential for anyone approaching the end of a federal sentence. This article provides comprehensive information about what to expect, how to prepare, and how to make the most of this transitional phase.

Summary

Residential Reentry Centers are contract facilities where BOP inmates serve the final 6-12 months of their sentence while transitioning to community life. The First Step Act of 2018 expanded consideration for RRC placement, directing BOP to place inmates as close as possible to their release residence. RRCs are operated through public-private partnerships, with private contractors running most facilities under BOP oversight. Residents must comply with strict accountability requirements including sign-in/out procedures, curfews, and regular drug testing. Employment is typically mandatory, and residents pay subsistence (a portion of earnings) toward their housing costs. Quality varies significantly across facilities. Importantly, RRCs house individuals from all security levels—those transitioning from camps may encounter residents from medium or higher security facilities, and vice versa. Success in the RRC phase requires understanding the rules, maintaining employment, and using this time to build the foundation for independent living.

What is a Residential Reentry Center?

Official BOP Terminology vs. Common Name

The Bureau of Prisons officially refers to these facilities as Residential Reentry Centers or RRCs. In common usage, they are called halfway houses—a term reflecting their position "halfway" between prison and full freedom.

Other terms sometimes used include:

• Community Corrections Centers (older BOP terminology)
• Community Confinement Centers
• Transitional facilities
• Reentry centers

Regardless of terminology, these facilities serve the same function: housing federal inmates during the final portion of their sentence while they transition to community living.

Purpose in the Federal System

RRCs serve several important purposes:

Graduated release: Rather than releasing individuals directly from secure institutions to complete independence, RRCs provide an intermediate step with structure and support.

Employment preparation: Residents must seek and maintain employment, building work history and savings before release.

Community reintegration: RRCs allow individuals to reconnect with family, establish housing arrangements, and build community ties while still under supervision.

Accountability: The structured environment allows BOP to monitor compliance and address issues before full release.

Resource connection: Residents can access treatment programs, educational opportunities, and community resources.

Legal Authority

The BOP's authority to place inmates in RRCs derives from 18 U.S.C. § 3624(c), which directs the Bureau to ensure that prisoners are placed in conditions that will afford them "a reasonable opportunity to adjust to and prepare for the reentry into the community." The statute specifies that prerelease custody may not exceed 12 months.

The First Step Act of 2018 amended this provision to:

• Increase consideration for community placement
• Direct BOP to place prisoners as close as possible to their release residence
• Expand eligibility for those who have earned time credits

Additionally, BOP's placement decisions are guided by the five factors enumerated in 18 U.S.C. § 3621(b): the resources of the facility, the nature and circumstances of the offense, the history and characteristics of the prisoner, any statement by the sentencing court, and any pertinent Sentencing Commission policy statement.

Where RRCs Fit in the Criminal Justice Journey

Typically Final 6-12 Months of BOP Custody

Most RRC placements occur during the final months of the BOP sentence. While the specific timeframe varies, typical placements range from 4-12 months.

First Step Act impact: The First Step Act directs BOP to consider placement of up to 12 months for inmates who have earned time credits through participation in recidivism reduction programs. This represents an expansion from previous, more limited placement periods.

The actual placement length depends on:

• Individual risk and needs assessment
• Available bed space at appropriate facilities
• Release planning requirements
• Institutional recommendations

How Placement Is Determined

RRC placement decisions involve multiple factors:

Unit team recommendation: The inmate's case manager, counselor, and unit manager make initial recommendations based on their knowledge of the individual's needs and progress.

Risk and needs assessment: BOP uses standardized assessment tools to evaluate risk level and identify needs that should be addressed during transition.

Release residence: BOP attempts to place individuals at RRCs near their intended release residence to facilitate employment searches and family connections.

Available space: Bed space at RRCs is limited. High-demand areas may have waiting lists, potentially affecting placement timing.

Offense and history: Certain offenses or histories may affect RRC eligibility or placement options.

First Step Act's Impact on Eligibility

The First Step Act significantly expanded RRC placement opportunities:

• Inmates who earn time credits through participation in evidence-based recidivism reduction programs and productive activities may use those credits toward earlier placement in RRCs or home confinement
• BOP is directed to transfer eligible prisoners to home confinement for the maximum amount of time permitted
• Placement closer to release residence is emphasized

For detailed information, see Earned Time Credits Under the First Step Act.

The Public-Private Partnership Model

BOP Contracts with Private Operators

The Bureau of Prisons does not directly operate most RRCs. Instead, BOP contracts with private companies and nonprofit organizations to provide these services. Contractors are paid per diem rates for each resident housed.

This model creates a system where:

• Private entities own or lease the physical facilities
• Staff are employees of the contractor, not federal employees
• BOP provides oversight and monitors contract compliance
• Standards and requirements are set by BOP but implemented by contractors

Major RRC contract operators include GEO Reentry, Inc., which operates facilities in multiple states including California, Florida, Kansas, Nevada, New York, South Dakota, Texas, and Utah.

Why Quality Varies Dramatically by Location

The contract model means that RRC quality varies significantly:

Contractor differences: Different companies have different philosophies, staffing levels, and quality standards.

Facility conditions: Some RRCs occupy modern, purpose-built facilities; others use older buildings that may be less well-maintained.

Staffing quality: Pay rates, training standards, and turnover vary by contractor.

Local resources: RRCs in areas with strong employment markets and community services may offer better opportunities than those in economically challenged areas.

Oversight intensity: BOP monitoring and contract enforcement varies. A 2016 Department of Justice Office of Inspector General audit found that "the BOP did not have performance measures that evaluated the efficacy of its RRC and home confinement programming, or procedures that adequately assessed the quality of services provided by RRC contractors."

State and Regional Differences

RRC experiences can differ substantially based on location:

Urban vs. rural: Urban RRCs typically offer better employment opportunities but may be more crowded.

Regional economies: Areas with strong job markets make the employment requirement easier to meet.

State regulations: Some states have additional regulations affecting RRC operations.

Community attitudes: Local community support (or opposition) to RRCs affects the environment.

Oversight Challenges

The contract model presents oversight challenges:

• BOP must monitor many facilities across the country
• Contract enforcement depends on available BOP resources
• Resident complaints may not always result in action
• Contractors may prioritize cost management over quality

The 2016 DOJ OIG audit found that "contrary to BOP policy, guidance, and relevant research, BOP's RRC and home confinement placement decisions are not based on inmates' security classification and risk for recidivism," and that "the BOP is placing the great majority of eligible inmates into RRCs regardless of these considerations."

Residents who experience serious problems should document issues and work through proper channels, including the Administrative Remedy Process.

What to Expect

Physical Environment

RRC physical environments vary considerably:

Shared living: Most residents share rooms with one or more other individuals. Private rooms are rare.

Common areas: Facilities typically include shared dining areas, television rooms, and computer rooms.

Limited storage: Personal belongings space is restricted.

Security features: While not as restrictive as prisons, RRCs have security measures including sign-in/out procedures, searches, and controlled access.

Residential neighborhoods: Many RRCs are located in residential areas, and residents are expected to maintain a low profile in the community.

Daily Schedule and Accountability

RRC life involves substantial structure:

Sign-in/out: Residents must sign in and out whenever leaving or returning to the facility. Detailed logs of whereabouts are maintained.

Counts: Regular counts verify resident presence, similar to (though less frequent than) prison counts.

Curfews: Evening curfews restrict when residents must return to the facility. Curfew times vary by facility and may be adjusted based on employment schedules.

Room inspections: Staff conduct regular inspections of living areas.

Accountability for time: Residents must account for their time outside the facility. Unaccounted time or unauthorized locations can result in disciplinary action.

Employment Requirements

Employment is central to the RRC experience:

Job search requirement: Residents without employment must actively seek work, documenting job search activities.

Full-time employment expectation: Once employed, residents are expected to maintain full-time work (typically 30+ hours per week).

Employment approval: Job offers must be approved by RRC staff before starting work. This involves verifying the employer and ensuring the position meets requirements.

Subsistence payments: Employed residents pay a portion of their earnings (typically 25%) to the facility as "subsistence" for housing costs. This 25% of gross weekly income requirement is established by BOP policy to promote personal financial responsibility and defray program costs, though individual collections may not exceed the weekly contract per diem rate.

Programming Available

RRCs offer or facilitate access to various programs:

• Employment readiness and job search assistance
• Substance abuse treatment (including access to outpatient programs)
• Educational programs
• Life skills training
• Financial literacy
• Anger management and other cognitive programming

Program availability and quality vary by facility.

Important Considerations Before Arrival

Security Level Mixing

One of the most important things to understand about RRCs is that they house individuals from all security levels. Unlike prisons that separate inmates by classification, halfway houses bring together:

• Individuals from minimum security camps
• Individuals from low security facilities
• Individuals from medium security facilities
• Occasionally, individuals from higher security classifications

This mixing has significant implications:

If you're coming from a camp or low security facility: You may be housed with individuals who served time in medium or higher security facilities. The institutional cultures differ, and navigating these differences requires awareness.

If you're coming from a medium or higher security facility: You may encounter "campers" (minimum security individuals) who have different expectations and experiences. Your institutional knowledge may be different from theirs.

Navigating Different Institutional Cultures

People who served time at different security levels often have different approaches to:

• Interpersonal interactions
• Privacy expectations
• Conflict resolution
• Relationships with staff
• Daily routines

The RRC environment requires adapting to a diverse population. Focus on your own goals, avoid conflicts, and recognize that everyone is navigating this transition.

Maintaining Your Routine and Focus

The shift from a secure facility to an RRC can be disorienting:

Less structure: While RRCs have rules, there is substantially more freedom than prison. Some individuals struggle with this transition.

More responsibility: Employment, finances, and daily life management become your responsibility.

External temptations: Access to the community brings exposure to situations and temptations not present in prison.

Staying focused: The RRC phase is critical for establishing the foundation for supervised release. Maintain focus on employment, savings, and compliance rather than testing boundaries.

Rules and Restrictions

Sign-In/Sign-Out Procedures

Accountability is paramount:

• Sign out before leaving for any purpose (work, approved errands, passes)
• Record destination, purpose, and expected return time
• Sign in immediately upon return
• Notify staff of any changes to schedule or location
• Maintain accurate records—discrepancies trigger scrutiny

Drug Testing

Drug testing is regular and often random:

• Expect testing at intake and throughout your stay
• Random testing means you may be tested at any time
• Positive tests result in disciplinary action, potentially including return to secure custody
• Alcohol testing may also occur
• Some facilities prohibit alcohol use entirely

Room Inspections

Staff conduct regular inspections:

• Keep living area clean and organized
• Do not possess prohibited items
• Contraband includes weapons, drugs, alcohol, unauthorized electronics, and other prohibited items
• Inspections may occur when you are present or absent

Phone and Visitor Policies

Communication policies vary by facility:

• Phone use typically permitted but may be monitored or restricted
• Cell phones may or may not be allowed (varies by facility)
• Visitors must be approved in advance
• Visiting hours and locations are specified
• Contact with co-defendants or victims may be prohibited

Curfews

Curfew requirements include:

• Standard evening curfew (often 9-10 PM on weeknights)
• Curfews may be adjusted for work schedules
• Weekend curfews may differ from weekday curfews
• Passes may allow extended time outside the facility for specific purposes
• Curfew violations are taken seriously

Employment While at an RRC

Job Search Requirements

Unemployed residents must demonstrate active job searching:

• Maintain job search logs documenting applications, interviews, and contacts
• Attend job readiness programs offered by the facility
• Accept reasonable job offers
• Participate in employment assistance programming

Staff monitor job search activities and may impose consequences for insufficient effort.

Employment Approval Process

Before starting any job:

1. Receive a job offer
2. Report the offer to RRC staff
3. Staff verify the employer and position
4. Staff approve or deny the employment
5. Begin work only after approval

Working without approval is a violation. Never start a job before receiving clearance.

Subsistence Payments

Employed residents pay "subsistence"—a portion of their earnings toward housing costs:

• Typically 25% of gross earnings
• Collected by the facility
• Cannot exceed actual cost of housing (weekly contract per diem rate)
• Demonstrates responsibility and contributes to transition costs

Note: In August 2016, BOP eliminated subsistence fee requirements for individuals placed in home confinement, though the requirement remains for RRC residents.

Saving for Transition

Despite subsistence payments, employment allows saving for the future:

• Open a bank account (if possible—see Access to Banking After Incarceration) and begin saving
• Budget carefully, prioritizing savings
• Anticipate expenses for housing, transportation, and other needs after release
• Use this time to establish financial habits

Transitioning Out

Home Confinement Eligibility

Some residents transition from RRC to home confinement before supervised release begins:

• Eligibility depends on risk assessment, compliance, and available time
• Home confinement is still BOP custody—not supervised release
• GPS monitoring and strict requirements apply
• Home confinement provides additional transition time in a home environment

For detailed information, see Overview of Reentry Processes.

Direct Release Scenarios

Some residents complete their BOP sentence while at the RRC and transition directly to supervised release without a home confinement phase. This occurs when:

• Insufficient time remains for home confinement placement
• Risk assessment does not support home confinement
• Other factors make direct transition appropriate

Planning for Supervised Release

Use RRC time to prepare for supervised release:

• Understand your supervised release conditions
• Identify your probation officer and reporting requirements
• Secure approved housing
• Establish stable employment
• Address any required treatment or programming
• Build support networks

The groundwork laid during RRC time determines how smoothly the transition to supervised release proceeds.

Terminology

Residential Reentry Center (RRC): Official BOP term for community-based residential facilities where inmates serve the final portion of their sentence while transitioning to the community.

Halfway House: Common term for RRC, reflecting its position "halfway" between prison and freedom.

Subsistence: The portion of earnings (typically 25%) that employed RRC residents pay toward housing costs.

Pass: Authorized absence from the RRC for a specific purpose and timeframe.

Furlough: Extended authorized absence, typically for family visits or other significant purposes.

Community Corrections: Broader term for supervision and programs in the community, including RRCs, home confinement, and supervised release.

Contractor: Private company or nonprofit organization that operates an RRC under contract with BOP.

Unit Team: BOP staff responsible for an inmate's case management and release planning.

See Also

• Overview of Reentry Processes
• Supervised Release
• Earned Time Credits Under the First Step Act
• First Step Act: Overview and Implementation
• Employment and Second-Chance Hiring

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a halfway house?

A Residential Reentry Center (RRC) or halfway house is a transitional facility where inmates spend the final months of their sentence preparing for release into the community.

Q: How long do inmates stay in halfway houses?

Typically 6-12 months, though the First Step Act allows for up to 12 months of RRC placement or home confinement.

Q: What can you do at a halfway house?

Residents can work, attend programming, reconnect with family, and gradually reintegrate into society while still under BOP supervision.