The EFEC HALFWAY HOUSE

 

June 30, 1970 denoted a historic event in the annals of Correctional Reform.  The concept of Community Based Treatment Centers took a giant leap forward when The Department of Correction contracted with the DC Department of Corrections to operate a (40) bed Residential Halfway House for adult male offenders.  EFEC’s Halfway House operated by ex-offenders, assisted releasees in successfully transitioning form the the correctional institutions to the community by effectively addressing the duality of these challenges.  EFEC assigned ‘Enablers’ to work with each resident.  The Enabler helped the resident understand and focus on the a direct and short-range goal: adjustment in the community as represented by responsible and independent behavior.  The Enabler did not seek to ‘cure’ residents but supported the resident in self-recognition and self-help.  Services provided at this facility assisted releases in making successful adjustments from correctional institutions to the community by effectively addressing massive problem which they encounter when they leave the penal institutions.