Faith-Based Correctional Programming in Federal Prisons

Abstract

The Life Connections Program (LCP) is an 18-month, faith-based correctional program operating in five Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) institutions. The program is a residential, multi-faith program designed to provide a positive environment for spiritual growth and ultimately behavioral change. This study presents a quantitative analysis of factors associated with program volunteers' completion or failure using operational and survey data collected from the program sites. Survival analysis indicated that scripture reading, perception of self-worth, and the degree of desire for community integration were associated with program completion. Future research should include constructs of mental health status and levels of self-control while addressing whether faith-based programming is more effective for certain groups of individuals than others.