It depends on what is meant by "halfway house," and whether this taxpayer was actually "confined" to one as it might have existed in 1998.  Could she have chosen probation instead, but had no place to go?  Was the halfway house operated by the government, or a nonprofit that also accepted residents who were not former prison inmates?  As Wikipedia notes, "The state-placement of ex-criminal offenders to a 'halfway house' after a prison sentence may either be decided upon as part of the judge's sentence or by a prison official's recommendation. A direct sentence to a halfway house can also be decided upon by a judge or prosecutor in lieu of prison time."

Facts and circumstances.  One size does not fit all.  There is nothing in the post that indicates she was ever in prison.