COLUMBUS — Officials at a halfway house say their treatment methods — which include boot-camp style humiliation tactics — force newly released criminals to face their chronic alcohol and drug problems and help keep them out of prison.

        Critics say Diversified Community Services' methods go too far.

        Residents at the 50-bed transitional home are often forced to wear signs proclaiming they are stupid or incompetent, told to sit alone in a room or talk to the wall about violating a rule.

        “Some of these guys have been through these kinds of programs six or seven times and just don't get it,” said Linda S. Janes of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.

        Recent statistics indicate that Diversified's graduation rate is well below the state average for halfway-house programs. For the fiscal year that ended June 30, 48 percent of Diversified's residents finished the program — about 10 percentage points below the state average.

        Ms. Janes said those that make it through, however, have better odds of staying sober and out of jail.

        Scott Olmstead, program di rector at the CompDrug halfway house, says residents at his facility wouldn't tolerate Diversified's restrictive policies.

        “They're adults here, and we treat them with respect.”

        Last month, a group of about 20 protesters picketed at Diversified calling its tactics violations of the residents' civil rights.

        Others say the halfway house, which is owned by Rock of Faith Baptist Church, incorporates religion into treatment and violates the separation of church and state.

        But Peter K. James, president of Diversified, denies any violation. “You won't find any religious doctrine here,” he said. “You will find ... an open invitation to worship.”

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