A Breakdown of the New BOP Policy and What You Can Do About It

**If you or someone you love is nearing the end of a federal sentence, you may have already heard the chatter: halfway house time is being cut short.**

In 2025, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) made a significant policy shift, slashing the maximum duration allowed in Residential Reentry Centers (RRCs)- commonly known as halfway houses. Where inmates could once hope for up to 12 months of transitional time, the new cap is now **60 days** for most. Even graduates of the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) have seen their halfway house time cut from 180 days down to 125.

What Changed—And Why?

According to BOP statements, these cuts are due to budget constraints and resource prioritization. With limited funding and bed space, the agency claims it must focus on placing only those most in need into reentry programs.

This leaves thousands of incarcerated individuals—and their families—confused, disappointed, and looking for answers.

The Impact on Inmates and Families

These new limits can mean:

Less time to reintegrate with family, employment, and community support.
No buffer between prison and full release.
Greater challenges securing IDs, jobs, housing, or medical care during the transition.

For many, the halfway house served as a lifeline. Without it, the leap into society becomes much steeper.

What Can You Do About It?

Here’s the part they don’t want you to know:

While BOP has guidelines, federal judges have discretion in some circumstances—and inmates can still motion the court for more time in halfway housing or an alternative like home confinement.

Depending on your case, you may be able to:

File a motion under 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A) (compassionate release or modification).
Request placement into home confinement under the First Step Act.
Argue for extended reentry under extraordinary and compelling circumstances (e.g., medical needs, family caregiving, post-release barriers).
Challenge placement decisions through habeas or civil actions, if misapplied or discriminatory.

Need Help Making Your Case?

Click Here and Get Started Building Your Motion

Granted Pro Se specializes in helping incarcerated individuals who are filing federal legal motions without an attorney.

Our licensed paralegals craft customized, court-ready templates to help you:

Request extended halfway house time
Petition for home confinement
File for compassionate release
And more

If there’s a legal route available, we help you present it professionally and powerfully.

Visit our site or contact us directly to learn how to request a custom motion template for your loved one.

Final Thoughts from J. Malik Cross

The system is tightening up—but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless.

Knowledge is still your first key. Action is the second. If your loved one deserves more than 60 days to come home, don’t wait for the system to offer it—motion for it.

Until next time,
– J. Malik Cross
Writer. Legal Strategist.

Can You Still Get More Halfway House Time in 2025?