NCJ Number
230216
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 71 Issue: 6 Dated: December 2009 Pages: 98-99
Date Published
December 2009
Length
2 pages
Annotation
In illustrating the value of involving faith-based organizations in reentry programming and support, this article describes the related volunteer work of faith-based organizations and individuals in helping offenders bridge the gap from prison to society before and after their release.
Abstract
More than 40 different faith-based classes related directly to offender reentry are conducted in any given week at the 21 chapels established by the Missouri Department of Corrections (MDOC) throughout the State. Ministry representatives regularly interview offenders regarding faith-based home plans in addition to providing services to larger groups of offenders. Annual and biannual job/resources fairs connect interested offenders with local resources and staff within their communities. MDOC staff regularly speaks to faith-based organizations in the community regarding support and services they can offer to offenders coming back into the community after a prison or jail term. In order to better understand and address issues associated with reentry, a MDOC faith-based community team has been created. Its responsibilities include monitoring the need for policy revisions, credentialing, curriculum standardization, and mentoring. A faith-based orientation toward reentry initiatives is not intended to impose a fixed belief system on offenders, but rather to bring to their attention positive aspirations within themselves and spiritual resources they have ignored, forgotten, or denied. Further, faith-based organizations and individuals have the commitment and personal resources needed to provide unselfish support for offenders and their families as they face obstacles involved in coping with the challenges of successful reentry.