Group homes are an alternative to permanent hospitalization. They try to create a home atmosphere for people, but everything you do is monitored. There is 24/7 staff on the facility. I wouldn't call it a prison, but their purpose is to keep people who cannot take care of themselves safe. I have 2 family members in group homes for schizophrenia. They go on outings. Take them shopping. Got to the movies. Take trips to the park. The group home staff does its best to make the atmosphere comfortable. However, it is a confined setting. You cannot come and go as you please and there are strict rules on what you can own and not own. There is usually a psychiatrist who makes rounds to group homes so their is consistant psychiatric care. Things like meal prep and laundry are done by residents but always supervised. The staff controls access to all medication. Romantic relationships between group home residents are not allowed for safety reasons. Often people in group homes aren't competent to give consent so romantic relationships are strongly discouraged.