Halbe Treppe

Halbe Treppe is an open detention facility for women located in the Mohorn district of the town of Wilsdruff, in the German state of Saxony. The facility was established in 2022 through a collaboration between the Saxon State Ministry of Justice, Chemnitz Prison, and the NGO Outlaw gGmbH, which is responsible for its daily operations. Halbe Treppe was created to address the lack of suitable settings for open, sentence-based detention for women in Saxony, offering an environment focused on reintegration and autonomy.

Its approach centers on pro-social learning within a small group structure that encourages a “positive group culture.” The facility supports participants in developing personal goals, preparing emotionally and structurally for release, and building toward an independent and socially responsible life. The name Halbe Treppe (“Half the Staircase”) symbolizes the incremental and reflective journey each woman takes on the path to reintegration.

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SMALL-SCALE

Halbe Treppe has a maximum capacity of four residents, including space for one mother-child pair, though the facility remains flexible and has accommodated two mothers with children when needed. Due to the small size of the facility, it is not divided into separate units or departments.

SMALL-scale

Halbe Treppe has a maximum capacity of four residents, including space for one mother-child pair, though the facility remains flexible and has accommodated two mothers with children when needed. Due to the small size of the facility, it is not divided into separate units or departments.

Halbe Treppe is a:

Open detention facility

for:

4 PEOPLE,
Women

Indicated principles:

Community-integrated, Differentiated

Halbe Treppe is a:

Open detention facility

for:

4 PEOPLE,
Women

Indicated principles:

Community-integrated, Differentiated

Halbe Treppe is a:

Open detention facility

for:

4 PEOPLE,
Women

Indicated principles:

Community-integrated, Differentiated

DIFFERENTIATION

Halbe Treppe accommodates adult women, including mothers with children, and is designed to be flexible in adapting to the specific needs of its residents. While there is no fixed age limit for accompanying children, unlike traditional prisons where the maximum is typically three years old, current practice has included hosting children up to 12 years old.

Residents at Halbe Treppe have a high degree of autonomy in shaping their daily routines and long-term goals. While the staff offers support and guidance, it is the women themselves who largely make decisions about how to spend their time. They live together as a self-managed living group, sharing responsibilities like grocery shopping and cooking, which fosters a sense of mutual support.

COMMUNITY-INTEGRATION

Halbe Treppe maintains consistent and natural ties with the surrounding community. Residents make everyday use of local services, such as public transportation, healthcare, and shopping, just like any other member of the community. Those who are employed work regular jobs in the surrounding area and are covered by standard health insurance, allowing them to access local doctors and other professionals. The facility also collaborates with external organizations to support residents, including addiction counseling and debt counseling services.

Differentiation

Halbe Treppe accommodates adult women, including mothers with children, and is designed to be flexible in adapting to the specific needs of its residents. While there is no fixed age limit for accompanying children, unlike traditional prisons where the maximum is typically three years old, current practice has included hosting children up to 12 years old.

Residents at Halbe Treppe have a high degree of autonomy in shaping their daily routines and long-term goals. While the staff offers support and guidance, it is the women themselves who largely make decisions about how to spend their time. They live together as a self-managed living group, sharing responsibilities like grocery shopping and cooking, which fosters a sense of mutual support.

Community-integration

Halbe Treppe maintains consistent and natural ties with the surrounding community. Residents make everyday use of local services, such as public transportation, healthcare, and shopping, just like any other member of the community. Those who are employed work regular jobs in the surrounding area and are covered by standard health insurance, allowing them to access local doctors and other professionals. The facility also collaborates with external organizations to support residents, including addiction counseling and debt counseling services.

Outlaw gGmbH

Halbe Treppe

Report Halbe Treppe

English report

Interviewed by RESCALED (05-08-2025)

RESCALED

Outlaw gGmbH

Halbe Treppe

Report Halbe Treppe

Report

Visit

Interviewed by RESCALED (05-08-2025)

WISH-EU

Outlaw gGmbH

Halbe Treppe

Report Halbe Treppe

Report

Interviewed by RESCALED (05-08-2025)

RESCALED