The Detention House takes an exclusive look behind the scenes of the first detention house in Belgium. There, short-term prisoners serve their prison sentences in society, instead of within prison walls. No small cells, guards and prisoners, but psychologists, detention supervisors and residents who are trying to rebuild their lives. The residents look for a new home and work, and can even leave the detention center for a valid reason and under strict conditions. That 'freedom' comes with great responsibility, because anyone who breaks one rule is irrevocably sent back to a classic prison. The staff is doing everything they can to make this project a success and to get their lives back on track together with the residents. That doesn't happen without a fight, but with a laugh and a tear.