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How a halfway house became a road toward freedom: a case study of the Kalatapae community

Srisombat Chokprajakchat (Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand)
Wanaporn Techagaisiyavanit (Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand)
Tongyai Iyavarakul (Graduate School of Development Economics, National Institute of Development Administration, Bangkok, Thailand)

Journal of Criminological Research, Policy and Practice

ISSN: 2056-3841

Article publication date: 14 June 2021

Issue publication date: 17 November 2021

79

Abstract

Purpose

A common challenge found in the establishment and operation of a halfway house is the local community’s opposition, which can lead to community disengagement and the exclusion of the halfway house residents from the locality. This study aims to examine, and present a unique, alternate experience of the Kalatapae halfway house, which is located in a less privileged community in the southern part of Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses mixed methods by using a qualitative methodology through conducting in-depth interviews with 16 halfway house residents and the house’s manager, and a focus group with government officials and adopting a quantitative methodology through conducting public surveys with the local residents in Kalatapae and its 6 other surrounding communities to inquire about their support for the halfway house and its residents.

Findings

The study found certain key factors that help secure emotional support for the halfway house residents through the local community’s acceptance. These are needs recognition of the house residents, community involvement and the perceived mutual benefits gained by the community from the operation of the halfway house. The community’s positive social engagement arguably increases the ability of the halfway house residents to desist from crime and better facilitate their transition back into society.

Research limitations/implications

The quantitative data were analyzed based on the frequency of responses to quantify the overall level of support of the local residents. Individual factors that would have an effect on the responses were not determined.

Practical implications

The experience can serve as a strategy for operating other halfway houses to facilitate transition and reintegration of the house’s residents into the society.

Originality/value

The study provides a practical aspect in the implementation of an aftercare program by presenting new key elements for a halfway house to secure local community acceptance and maintain a positive relationship with the halfway house's residents.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to express their appreciation to the Office of Permanent Secretary, the Ministry of Justice for providing the grant and opportunity to conduct the research.

Citation

Chokprajakchat, S., Techagaisiyavanit, W. and Iyavarakul, T. (2021), "How a halfway house became a road toward freedom: a case study of the Kalatapae community", Journal of Criminological Research, Policy and Practice, Vol. 7 No. 4, pp. 318-334. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCRPP-01-2021-0002

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited

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