Legal Definitions - house of refuge

A house of refuge is a type of reformatory or correctional facility where juvenile offenders or those who have committed minor crimes are confined. It is also known as a house of correction.

For example, a teenager who has been caught shoplifting may be sent to a house of refuge instead of a regular prison. The purpose of such a facility is to provide a structured environment where the offender can receive education, counseling, and other forms of rehabilitation to help them become productive members of society.