Structure, routine, rules and consequences

There is a requirement to set strict boundaries and instil authority of non- deviation from residents at the halfway house. For example, women are not permitted under their parole conditions (and the house rules) to foster ‘old friend’ relationships

that could lead them back into crime. Should a woman break the rules by engaging in unsavoury relationship building outside of the parameters of the house (relating with previous drug merchants and/or friends), she will face consequences. Discipline usually takes the form of a curfew limitation and she could be restricted to not going anywhere on her own for a period of time. Should she continue with this behaviour, she would be asked to leave the house. Many times ‘old friends’, who are involved with lifestyles that can risk a women’s future, are difficult to ignore. Brenda shares why it is important that they are ignored and articulates her fear of relating with these ‘old friends’.

“I didn’t want that (to go and visit them) because, for someone who comes out of such a long life of drug use - drug abuse - drug use - I don’t think it’s easy to just go and sit there and watch people doing drugs and you will “dink nou wag, ek gaan ook ‘n skyf vat“ (no wait, now I’m going to have a smoke too ) - no, no you mad - that’s never gonna happen - you are going to – and you are going to lie to yourself – but you are going to do it (smoke drugs) - and I didn’t go (to visit) for a very long time and I just like put that behind my mind”.

It was a resolution of the organisation in establishing the halfway house that it would take on the ambiance of a home rather than an institution. Traditional

‘institution type accommodation’ provides a safe and secure place for the resident, but most institutions have punitive rules and do not operate from the premise of the resident actively engaging in how the centre is run (Haney, 2003). The organisation did not want to create the type of residence where the ex-offender has no say

regarding what is watched on television, on what should be eaten, or what should be worn and a place where there is no negotiation regarding house rules and norms. The

organisation does not believe that punitive rules aid people to address real problems of self-discipline and restraint. In creating a home, and not an institution, the aim was to give people a say in how the home is administrated.

This was never going to be an easy stance to take and it has taken some negotiation in attempting to achieve this. The reasoning behind this view was to aid healthy decision-making by individuals and, the organisation felt, that these

individuals would be more likely to abide by rules they have personally negotiated and set. Within certain moral norms television watching is allowed and residents are able to decide what is appropriate to watch. The house parents monitor this and the board of the halfway house trusts their judgement. Women are encouraged to plan meals and to cook their favourite meals too. This all has to be executed within reason and cost.

There are rules that must be agreed to and signed by every resident. These rules are discussed with each resident before they agree to be a resident at the house. An attempt is made to ensure that these rules are not punitive or too restrictive. However, it is difficult to find the correct degree of restriction and freedom for all residents. Allowing too much freedom and autonomy can create risk, especially with women who have seldom had boundaries and who are skilled at manipulating the boundaries they do encounter. Women are asked to leave if they repeatedly break rules, take part in immoral activity or abuse substances without recourse. Despite the above precautionary rules, it is accepted that women entering the halfway facility will often have ulterior motives for coming to stay. These are the result of the backgrounds they come from. These attitudes often change as Ellen explains:

“Ok, I’ve been out of prison now for almost a year and a month - which is the longest I’ve been out of prison - which was really not easy

because when I came out I went to go stay at the halfway house. Umm – it’s a halfway house for ladies that comes out of prison that’s got nowhere else to go, and, umm, they help you to see your own true potential and so that you can also go back into society - but in anyway, so the first time when I came there I was still very rebelled. I went into the lady - to the house mother - I went into her room with one focus and that was for this house to help me get a job and as soon as I’m on my feet I’m moving out - umm - I didn’t still wanted to stay there long - I just wanted these people to really help me get a job and when I get a job I want to move on. Umm - but somehow things changed - I didn’t just think about this job and move on - I - umm - shared a lot of myself with the housemother . . .”

4.5.5. Providing opportunities for sincere and authentic relating with house