For many federal inmates nearing the end of their sentence, one question dominates:
“Can I go home instead of the halfway house?”
The short answer is: Yes — under the right circumstances.
The longer answer? It depends on how prepared you are, and how well your case is presented.
At PrisonLawFirm.com, we break down how the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) decides who goes to home confinement vs. a residential reentry center (RRC), aka halfway house — and what you can do to improve your chances.
What Is Home Confinement?
Home confinement, also called home detention or home incarceration, is when a federal inmate serves the final portion of their sentence at home — usually under electronic monitoring or regular check-ins.
You’re technically still in custody, but you’re allowed to:
- Sleep in your own bed
- Eat your own meals
- Be with your family
- (Usually) work during approved hours
It’s the closest thing to freedom before actual release.
What Is a Halfway House?
A halfway house (also known as an RRC) is a federally contracted facility where inmates transition from prison to society.
You’re not behind bars, but you’re far from free:
- Curfews are strict
- You must live at the facility
- Drug testing and work requirements apply
- Facility rules often override personal or family needs
Most inmates prefer home confinement. Let’s talk about how to get there.
How Does the BOP Decide Between Halfway House and Home Confinement?
The First Step Act and CARES Act expanded the BOP’s authority to release inmates to home confinement earlier and for longer durations. But BOP decisions are still based on:
- Your sentence length and time left
- Behavior while incarcerated
- Risk assessments (PATTERN score)
- Reentry plan and home support
- Bed availability in halfway houses
- Public safety concerns
You don’t get to choose outright — but you can make a compelling case for why home confinement is a better (and safer) fit for you and the community.
Eligibility for Home Confinement
You are more likely to be considered for home confinement if:
- You have less than 12 months remaining on your sentence
- You have a minimum or low PATTERN score
- You’ve had good institutional conduct
- You have a stable residence and family support
- You completed programming or participated in the First Step Act incentives
If you qualify under the CARES Act, which remains in effect until further notice (as of 2025), early release to home confinement may be possible — even before the last 6 months of your sentence.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Home Confinement
Here’s what you (or your advocate) can do to shift the odds:
1. Develop a Reentry Plan
The BOP wants to know where you’ll live, how you’ll support yourself, and how you’ll stay out of trouble.
Include:
- Proof of address with a lease or letter from the homeowner
- Job offer or plan to gain employment
- Transportation details (how you’ll get to work or appointments)
- Family/friend support letters
2. Request a Reentry Conference
Request that your Unit Team schedules a meeting to discuss your eligibility for home confinement under the Second Chance Act or CARES Act. You (or your attorney) can bring this up 6–12 months before release.
3. Maintain a Clean Disciplinary Record
Even a single infraction can damage your chances. Stay write-up free.
4. Complete Evidence-Based Programs
Enroll in FSA programs, RDAP, cognitive behavioral therapy, or employment readiness classes. These not only improve your chances but can reduce your time through earned time credits.
5. Request a Transfer Recommendation
Have an attorney, case manager, or reentry consultant formally request that the BOP consider direct placement to home confinement under 18 U.S.C. § 3624(c)(2).
What If They Still Want to Send You to a Halfway House?
Here’s the inside truth:
Many halfway houses are overcrowded or simply prefer to fill beds over letting people go home.
That’s why you need to:
- Document everything: Keep copies of your requests
- Follow up in writing: Don’t rely only on verbal discussions
- Use legal advocacy if needed: Sometimes a formal letter or petition from a legal professional gets results
Sample Script: How to Talk to Your Case Manager
“I understand the BOP has discretion under the First Step Act and CARES Act to assign home confinement. I have housing, employment, a low PATTERN score, and support in place. I’m respectfully requesting consideration for direct home placement or the earliest possible transfer to home confinement, in lieu of RRC.”
Final Tip: Know the Policy Numbers
Cite these policies when advocating:
- BOP Program Statement 7320.01 – RRC placement
- 18 U.S.C. § 3624(c) – Community confinement
- First Step Act (2018)
- CARES Act Memoranda – Especially relevant in health/safety justifications
Do You Need Help?
While you don’t need a lawyer to apply, having one can increase your chances, especially if:
- You’re being denied for vague reasons
- Your case manager won’t initiate the process
- You believe you qualify under the First Step Act
- You want someone to prepare a formal advocacy letter or memo
PrisonLawFirm.com helps individuals and families across the U.S. navigate federal prison policy, early release, and reentry strategies.