Submitted to the Faculty of Arts in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree Mater of Arts in the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 1992. / Hierdie studie poog om 'n studie van bestaande navorsingsliteratuur in verband met oorskakelingsoorde te onderneem ten einde die ontstaan en ontwikkeling van sulke inrigtings as 'n struktuur te beskryf en die funksie van die inrigtings uiteen te sit. = The establishment and efficient functioning of transitional havens may be instrumental in preparing the prisoner, who is still under sentence and whose treatment programme makes provision for admittance to such an institution, for reintroduction into free society. The objective of this study was to undertake an investigation of existing research literature relating to transitional havens, in order to describe the origin and development as well as the structure and functioning of these institutions. Arising from the "reintegration model" with its emphasis on community treatment and community integration, the prisoner is assisted and supported towards returning to society as a responsible and accountable person.