The Lessons of Norman House

Abstract

Norman House in London is the prototype of the halfway house movement, which works for the resettle ment of homeless offenders. Norman House originated in its founder's visits to a prison where he realized that homelessness was frequently a consequence of repeated imprisonment, and recidivism itself a disqualification for social help on discharge. What the inadequate recidivist was asking for was support and direction so that he could be a useful citizen. What he received, in fact, was advice and admonition and a couple of nights in a common lodginghouse, which amounted to a return ticket to prison. Norman House was started in 1954 as a small family home for twelve adult recidivists who wanted something better than the advice to go straight and the lodg inghouse where they were expected to start the journey. Nor man House was designed as a family home where the isolated offender could feel that he belonged. "Going straight" then began to have purpose because it was related to people who cared for him. What happened to him was a matter for concern to someone. This was the simple beginning of what is now developing into a national service. It is not without influence on developments in the United States, Canada, and Australia.