U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Evidence-Based Assessment of Faith-Based Programs: Do Faith-Based Programs "Work" to Reduce Recidivism?

NCJ Number
237595
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 50 Issue: 6 Dated: August - September 2011 Pages: 367-383
Author(s)
Kimberly D. Dodson; Leann N. Cabage; Paul M. Klenowski
Date Published
2011
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study assessed the effectiveness of faith-based programs for reducing 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. (Published Abstract)