Halfway Houses to Support Released Persons Deprived of Liberty
The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) is launching a new initiative to set up halfway houses in all correctional facilities across the country. These halfway houses will provide temporary residences for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) who are about to be released.
According to sources familiar with the matter, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. emphasized that the halfway houses will not only serve as transitional spaces but also as secure holding areas for released PDLs whose permanent arrangements are still being finalized. This effort aims to smooth the reintegration process and reduce the risk of immediate recidivism.
Plans for Halfway Houses and Reintegration Programs
The directive instructs all operating prisons and penal farms (OPPFs) to establish these halfway houses promptly. Authorities are required to submit detailed plans and designs, including budget estimates, to ensure proper implementation.
BuCor officials have been tasked to identify suitable areas within their facilities to temporarily house PDLs preparing for release. This separation from the general inmate population allows for focused reintegration activities tailored to their needs.
Comprehensive Support Services
The halfway houses will offer a comprehensive program featuring counseling sessions, orientation activities, and interviews. Additionally, short courses will be provided to equip PDLs with practical skills and knowledge necessary for life after incarceration. This holistic approach recognizes that successful reintegration requires more than just freedom; it demands preparing individuals to face societal challenges effectively.
Local experts note that by offering structured support and safe transitional spaces, the BuCor’s halfway houses can help reduce relapse into criminal behavior and promote community reintegration.
Looking Ahead: A Step Toward Rehabilitation
This initiative reflects a shift in corrections philosophy, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration rather than mere confinement. As BuCor moves forward with this program, it hopes to set a new standard for correctional facilities nationwide.
The halfway houses aim to bridge the gap between incarceration and freedom, providing released PDLs the resources and environment needed to rebuild their lives successfully.
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