Transitional living is a living situation in which an individual is in the process of migrating from an old way of life to a new one. An arrangement of this type is often employed in rehabilitation efforts, as they allow people to ease into the process of conducting their lives in a different way. During the period of transition, professionals monitor the progress of the individual, helping to prepare them to move on to the next step in their rehabilitation.
One of the more common examples of transitional living has to do with the re-entry of parolees into the mainstream of society. Sometimes referred to as a halfway house, this form of transitional living allows someone who has spent time in prison to begin to re-acclimate to a life that is not behind bars. The living situation provides a stable housing environment while the former prisoner secures employment, and slowly begins to get back into the routine of eating meals out, interacting with others in social situations, and in general creating a foundation for becoming a productive member of society.
Transitional living is also a helpful approach for people who are recovering from some type of substance abuse. Residents in the facility are free to come and go at will, but are sometimes given specific responsibilities around the house. This is thought to help restore a degree of normal routine to the shattered life of the recovering addict, and help the individual begin to rebuild personal self-esteem. Along with the freedom, residents are expected to continue therapy, often provided by counselors who live in the house with the recovering addicts.
Another form of transitional living is known as a safe house. This particular approach has to do with providing shelter to individuals who are attempting to remove themselves from relationships that have become physically and emotionally abusive. Facilities of this type often cater to people who do not have the financial resources to sever the relationship themselves, or have reason to think that the abuser will seek to harm them in some way. Many of these safe houses are intended for use by women seeking to get out of an abusive marriage. However, there are a few shelters of this type designed for men who are seeking to get away from a wife or girlfriend who has become violent and caused injuries of some type. Safe houses for both men and women often include facilities where minor children can also escape from the abuse along with the parent.
In all its forms, transitional living programs are designed to provide a supportive community while the individual recovers from what has gone before and prepares for what is to come. Many people who have resided in a transitional living center or community for a period of time attest to the efficacy of these types of facilities. As a way of helping people build happy and productive lives, the importance of these communities cannot be overestimated.
