NCJ Number
174279
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 23 Issue: 4 Dated: April 1998 Pages: 8-21
Editor(s)
G deGroot
Date Published
1998
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This survey of religion in correctional institutions in the United States and Canada found that prisons have come a long way in recognizing and tolerating religious differences and that religious beliefs and activities behind prison walls are diverse and complicated.
Abstract
The survey involved 49 of 52 jurisdictions in the United States and 9 of 13 jurisdictions in Canada. Most jurisdictions said chapels and other areas of prisons were available for religious activities. Only 13 jurisdictions did not use technology to provide supplemental religious exposure by such means as cable television, videos, and satellite downlinks. Sixteen States and six Canadian systems had residential prerelease, faith-based programs available for inmates, and 22 additional States were considering such programs. Only three jurisdictions did not have formal community ties to religious groups for inmates upon release. The mix of jurisdictions who provided chaplain services varied, the majority of jurisdictions used general revenue funds to pay for religious programs, and inmate participation in religious activities was generally below 50 percent. Detailed data on religious programs for inmates are tabulated by jurisdiction. 4 tables