An Evidence-Based Assessment of Faith-Based Programs: Do Faith-Based Programs “Work” to Reduce Recidivism?

Abstract

Faith-based organizations administer many of the prison-based programs aimed at reducing recidivism. Many of these organizations also manage treatment programs for substance abusers, at-risk juveniles, and ex-offenders. Much of the research on religiosity and delinquency indicates that the two are inversely related. Therefore, it seems plausible that faith-based programs, which are rooted in religious organizations, may be effective tools for reducing deviant and criminal behavior. However, it is unclear whether the empirical evidence supports such a claim. This study is an evidence-based assessment of the effectiveness of faith-based programs for reducing recidivism. The results of this study indicate that faith-based programs ''work'' to reduce recidivism. Directions for future research are discussed.

“I Went Through it so You Don't Have To”: Faith‐Based Community Organizing for the Formerly Incarcerated

“…Longitudinal research corroborated these findings, suggesting that desistance from crime is related to formation of social ties (i.e., Laub and Sampson ). Recent research has examined the efficacy of faith‐based programs in reducing recidivism and found religion to be effective in rehabilitation (i.e., Dodson, Cabage, and Klenowski ; Jensen and Gibbons ; Johnson ; O'Connor and Perreyclear ; O'Connor, Ryan, and Parkikh )…”

Colour me father: Lived experiences of incarcerated fathers in northern British Columbia.

“…Dodson, Cabage, and Klenowski (2011) state that historically, before the 20 th century, religious beliefs strongly influenced carceral policy.…”

“…Reform efforts based on Judeo-Christian values were implemented to some degree with the objective being to offer prisoners time for spiritual introspection (Dodson et al, 2011).…”

“…In the 20 th century, as history shows, society embraced the scientific paradigm as the new experiment with offenders (Dodson et al, 2011). Now in the 21 st century carceral ideology has again taken another turn toward religious principles as a tactic in the war on lawlessness (Dodson et al, 2011).…”

“…Dodson, Cabage and Klenowski (2011) Dodson et al, 2011). Research with particular programs shows that faith-based programs are definitely effective in accomplishing the specific program goals, however, more research is needed (Dodson et al, 2011).…”