Florida's faith- and character-based initiative is a volunteer-staffed program that offers religious and life skills programs in 11 Florida prisons. Inmate participation is voluntary and inmates of any faith are eligible. No state funds are expended on the initiative.
The initiative operates prison-wide in four correctional institutions and in specified dorms in seven institutions. The prison-wide programs have a demonstrated positive effect on inmate institutional adjustment and institutional security, and a modest but positive effect on reducing the likelihood that inmates will reoffend. The dorm-based programs also have a positive effect on institutional adjustment and security; however, they do not have a demonstrated effect on inmate recidivism.
The department has encountered several challenges managing the dorm-based programs, including limitations in providing inmates with religious diversity and underutilization of some prison dorms.

Higher Priority Should Be Given to Transition Services to Reduce Inmate Recidivism
Report 07-17 February 2007

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.