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Results for faith-based programs

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Author: Willison, Janeen Buck

Title: Faith-Based Corrections and Reentry Programs: Advancing a Conceptual Framework for Research and Evaluation

Summary: Resource strapped policymakers and criminal justice practitioners are increasingly turning to the faith community to help meet the multiple needs of returning prisoners. Although faith-based organizations have long served disadvantaged individuals, including prisoners, few studies have examined the effectiveness of faith-based efforts to improve prisoner reentry and reduce recidivism or identified the distinguishing characteristics of “faith-related” programming. None has focused on faith-based programs in corrections. As a result, basic questions about the nature of faith-based programs and how they may improve offender outcomes, including recidivism and other reentry outcomes, remain largely unanswered. This gap makes evaluation haphazard and inhibits meaningful policy debate. Researchers at the Urban Institute (UI) worked to address these critical gaps in knowledge with funding from the National Institute of Justice. Under the Faith-Based Corrections and Reentry Programs: Advancing a Conceptual Framework for Research and Evaluation (FBCRP) study, UI researchers surveyed faith-based in-prison and reentry programs across the country to identify key program characteristics and explore the extent and manner in which faith or spirituality infuses program content and activities. The primary objective of the survey was to formulate answers to two critical questions: (1) What is a faith-based program, and (2) How does faith “work” in faith-based programs. Concerted effort was made to identify and include programs operating from a mix of faith traditions. The overarching objective of the research was to provide policymakers, program developers, practitioners and evaluators with a practical tool for classifying faith-based corrections programs and advance a platform for future research on the effectiveness of faith-based reentry and corrections programs. The study, like the survey, was entirely exploratory in nature. Findings from the survey indicate meaningful variation in the characteristics of faith-based programs, even among programs identifying with the same faith tradition (Christian). Among the 48 programs represented in the survey, 85 percent identified as “faith-based.” Those operating outside the three Abrahamic faith-traditions (Christian, Jewish, and Islamic religions) were less inclined to do so, preferring the mantle “spiritually-based.” Analysis, though limited, confirms that faith-based programs are differentiated by the manner and degree to which faith and spirituality intersects around four dimensions: program identity; religious activities; staff and volunteers; and key outcomes. These distinctions provide direction for future research by identifying constructs and measures for further investigation and exploration. Practitioners in the field, such as parole or probation officers, also stand to benefit from this analysis: these distinctions suggest not all faith-based programs are alike and that a range of faith-based options are available to corrections practitioners and their clients. The extent to which the current findings would differ for a more diverse sample is unknown and a noteworthy consideration for future research efforts.

Details: Washington, DC: Urban Institute, 2010. 77p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 5, 2011 at: http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/234058.pdf

Year: 2010

Country: United States

URL: http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/234058.pdf

Shelf Number: 121648

Keywords:
Correctional Programs
Faith-Based Programs
Reentry
Rehabilitation
Volunteers in Corrections

Author: McGibbon, Karen Anne Patricia

Title: Rehabilitation as Reformation: Pastoral Counselling for Criminal Offenders - Confronting Jamaica's Crime Dilemma

Summary: This study investigated the efficacy of Pastoral Counselling as a fitting approach in rehabilitating criminal offenders in Jamaica with the aim of reducing recidivism rates among the prison population. Qualitative methods (interviewing, case studies, and focus groups) were utilised. Three basic aims were examined: the effectiveness of current rehabilitative methods, receptiveness of male criminal offenders to Pastoral Counselling and the effectiveness of Pastoral Counselling to rehabilitate criminal offenders. Findings suggest that a desire to serve and please God significantly influences inmates to obey the laws. The combination of spiritual mentoring, discipleship and opportunities to earn an honest living may lead to a productive lifestyle and community service. Findings confirm the literature on Christianity based rehabilitation of criminal offenders that faith-based rehabilitation significantly reduces recidivism rates. Additionally, recommendations are offered for corrections and Christian prison ministries.

Details: Edmonton, Alberta: St. Stephen's College, 2010. 117p.

Source: Internet Resource: Thesis: Accessed May 30, 2015 at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235908825_Rehabilitation_as_Reformation_Pastoral_Counseling_for_Criminal_Offenders_-_Confronting_Jamaica%27s_Crime_Dilemma

Year: 2010

Country: Jamaica

URL: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235908825_Rehabilitation_as_Reformation_Pastoral_Counseling_for_Criminal_Offenders_-_Confronting_Jamaica%27s_Crime_Dilemma

Shelf Number: 135811

Keywords:
Criminal Offenders
Faith-Based Programs
Recidivism
Rehabilitation
Religion