NCJ Number
207546
Date Published
February 2002
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This is an overview of the InnerChange Freedom Initiative (IFI) program, which is a faith-based, prerelease and postrelease program operated by Prison Fellowship Ministries through a contract with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).
Abstract
The IFI describes itself as a "revolutionary, Christ-centered, Bible-based prison program supporting prison inmates through their spiritual and moral transformation beginning while incarcerated and continuing after release." The IFI program was first implemented in April 1997 at the Carol Vance Unit in Richmond, TX. Currently, only offenders with an expected release to Harris or surrounding counties are considered for participation in the program. IFI currently serves approximately 180 inmates, with 200 of the 378 beds in the Vance Unit reserved for IFI participants. Program participants are selected after completing a 30-day self-study orientation intended to determine their readiness for the program. Inmates must volunteer for the program and be classified at a minimum-security custody level. The three-phase program involves 16-18 months of biblical programming and 6 to 12 months of aftercare following release. Each participant is assigned a biblical counselor who completes a member profile to aid in selecting a mentor. The Texas Criminal Justice Policy Council will conduct an evaluation of the IFI program to present to the 78th Texas Legislature in January 2003. This evaluation will examine process issues and report on postrelease outcomes for IFI participants and comparison groups. The methodology of the outcome evaluation is outlined.