Halfway houses are used to address the needs of people transitioning from incarceration or addiction treatment. Many halfway houses offer transitional housing for newly released prisoners while reintegrating into mainstream society before returning home. Some provide long-term rehab, while others are designed for short stays, usually no longer than 90 days. Sober Living Homes provide a safe, supportive environment for participants to work on their recovery.
When can you transfer from one Halfway House to another Sober Living?
Transfers between halfway houses are possible if you can find an opening at another house after your initial spot is filled. This might be feasible if the halfway houses are under the same management. You don’t have to notify your current house that you’re transferring unless specific rules regarding transfers are stated in your contract with them. Keep in mind, though, that this is a privilege, not a right. The reason for transferring should be one of the following:
- Improvements in living conditions (new house is bigger, has better food, fewer residents per counselor ratio, etc.)
- Improved quality of the program (the new house offers more classes or activities)
- Personal reasons (the new counselors and residents are nicer to you, and you’re just generally happier there)
- There is a shorter waiting list at the new house than your current one.
How much does it cost to transfer from one Halfway House to another?
Your terms of admission may determine whether or not there are fees associated with transferring between homes. Most halfway houses offer free transportation between homes but only allow overnight stays at other programs while you are waiting for an opening. The same goes for transfers to different cities. You will remain in your city while you wait for the new house to open up so you can transfer there. Transfers typically involve several steps before they are complete: The current halfway house notifies the admissions office of the following program that you want to attend, telling them when you plan on transferring and why.
They may also give conditional approval depending on whether or not another spot opens up during your stay at their program (in which case, your request is denied). The halfway house where you want to relocate contacts their admissions office with the same message; this happens once they’ve looked over your file and decided it is appropriate for you to transfer there. The admissions office of the receiving halfway house reviews your application, determines that it is complete and meets their criteria for accepting new residents.
They then contact you directly if they have any questions about your request. If everything is acceptable from both sides, the first house will release you on a specific date (timeframes may vary). When you arrive at the second home, the staff will review all your paperwork and associated fees (if any) before admitting you into their program or continuing toward more intensive treatment like detox/rehabilitation. Remember that some programs are free until after 90 days of treatment; therefore, some homes cannot accept transfers until this time has passed. Staff notifies the admissions office of your original halfway house that you have completed the transfer process.
What are some benefits to transferring from one Halfway House to another Sober Living?
Many people prefer to stay in one house until they feel entirely ready for discharge. Others want to finish their recovery and feel more comfortable with the staff and addiction support system. However, if you remain in a program longer than necessary, there may not be enough time for you to complete your treatment plan before moving on.
Every halfway house has specific rules regarding transfers, so you must familiarize yourself with them before requesting a change. Some benefits of transferring midway through recovery include:
- Being able to finish your treatment program closer to home.
- Attending a more suitable halfway house that meets your needs better (i.e., the new location is closer to family).
- The quality of substance abuse resources offered by the new halfway house is superior to those of the original one you were admitted into, facilitating faster recovery.
What are some disadvantages to transferring from one Halfway House to another Sober Living?
Some people choose not to transfer halfway houses because they don’t feel it is necessary or beneficial. This may be due to factors including:
- Having exceeded all goals set forth for them during their stay at the first house.
- The support system they developed with fellow residents and staff made it feel like home, making them anxious about starting over.
- After leaving their current halfway house, they have plans that cannot easily be accommodated if transferring (e.g., a job, family nearby).
- There is a longer wait for an opening in your preferred halfway house.
- The cost of transportation back and forth between homes is not covered unless otherwise stated in your admissions or financial agreement with either institution. You will, however, receive free transportation when relocating from detox/rehabilitation.
- If you tried transferring before but were turned down by the original halfway house, you may face the same outcome again.
- You will start over at step one in your treatment program. Before deciding to transfer halfway houses, it is crucial to weigh the pros and cons of your situation.
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