Oslo halfway house, Gamlebyen unit

Oslo halfway house, Gamlebyen unit (from now on “Gamlebyen halfway house”) has a very central location in the Old Town of Oslo, and is one of eight halfway houses in the Norwegian prison system. The facility is under the direct management of the Norwegian penitentiary administration (Kriminalsorgen). Gamlebyen halfway house is an open building with low security that focuses on preparing incarcerated people for the transition to freedom. It is the second halfway house in Oslo, in addition to Torshov. The two halfway houses are run by the same Prison Governor, and the practice is therefore relatively similar. However, there are some differences in their location, architecture and target groups.

SMALL-SCALE

Gamlebyen halfway house has place for twenty people, which makes it a small-scale detention facility. The facility is situated in an apartment building that seamlessly blends into the neighborhood, surrounded primarily by residential apartment buildings and a few local businesses. Each resident has their own private room, furnished with a bed and desk.

SMALL-scale

Gamlebyen halfway house has place for twenty people, which makes it a small-scale detention facility. The facility is situated in an apartment building that seamlessly blends into the neighborhood, surrounded primarily by residential apartment buildings and a few local businesses. Each resident has their own private room, furnished with a bed and desk.

about

Gamlebyen halfway house has place for twenty people, which makes it a small-scale detention facility. The facility is situated in an apartment building that seamlessly blends into the neighborhood, surrounded primarily by residential apartment buildings and a few local businesses. Each resident has their own private room, furnished with a bed and desk.

Oslo halfway house, Gamlebyen unit is a:

Transition house (during the sentence)

for:

20 PEOPLE,
Men

Indicated principles:

Community-integrated, Differentiated, Small-scale

Oslo halfway house, Gamlebyen unit is a:

Transition house (during the sentence)

for:

20 PEOPLE,
Men

Indicated principles:

Community-integrated, Differentiated, Small-scale

Oslo halfway house, Gamlebyen unit is a:

Transition house (during the sentence)

for:

20 PEOPLE,
Men

Indicated principles:

Community-integrated, Differentiated, Small-scale

DIFFERENTIATION

The target group of Gamlebyen halfway house are people who are at the end of a longer sentence. As opposed to Torshov halfway house, however, Gamlebyen halfway house does not accept female residents. They do accept people imprisoned for sexual offences.

The residents of the facility leave the house during the day, to study or go to work, and are able to go on temporary release for other purposes relatively often. Gamlebyen also offers a few activities arranged by the prison, for example seasonal activities during the weekends and workouts in the backyard gym. Both Gamlebyen and Torshov has a close collaboration with Red Cross and Wayback, and the residents occasionally participate in activities arranged by these organisations.

COMMUNITY-INTEGRATION

In the Gamlebyen halfway house, community integration is essential for residents’ recovery. Guided by the principle of normality, individuals engage with the outside world daily through work, education, and public services. Rather than relying on internal healthcare, residents are encouraged to access community resources, promoting personal responsibility and social connections. This interaction benefits both residents and the community, as individuals contribute diverse perspectives and skills. By fostering these relationships, the facility supports a seamless transition back into society, helping residents build confidence and stability for their future.

Differentiation

The target group of Gamlebyen halfway house are people who are at the end of a longer sentence. As opposed to Torshov halfway house, however, Gamlebyen halfway house does not accept female residents. They do accept people imprisoned for sexual offences.

The residents of the facility leave the house during the day, to study or go to work, and are able to go on temporary release for other purposes relatively often. Gamlebyen also offers a few activities arranged by the prison, for example seasonal activities during the weekends and workouts in the backyard gym. Both Gamlebyen and Torshov has a close collaboration with Red Cross and Wayback, and the residents occasionally participate in activities arranged by these organisations.

Community-integration

In the Gamlebyen halfway house, community integration is essential for residents’ recovery. Guided by the principle of normality, individuals engage with the outside world daily through work, education, and public services. Rather than relying on internal healthcare, residents are encouraged to access community resources, promoting personal responsibility and social connections. This interaction benefits both residents and the community, as individuals contribute diverse perspectives and skills. By fostering these relationships, the facility supports a seamless transition back into society, helping residents build confidence and stability for their future.

Visited during the wish-eu project

In the Gamlebyen halfway house, community integration is essential for residents’ recovery. Guided by the principle of normality, individuals engage with the outside world daily through work, education, and public services. Rather than relying on internal healthcare, residents are encouraged to access community resources, promoting personal responsibility and social connections. This interaction benefits both residents and the community, as individuals contribute diverse perspectives and skills. By fostering these relationships, the facility supports a seamless transition back into society, helping residents build confidence and stability for their future.

the Norwegian penitentiary administration

Visited by WayBack and RESHAPE (02-07-2024)

the Norwegian penitentiary administration

Visit

Visited by WayBack and RESHAPE (02-07-2024)