Faith-based rehabilitation seems to be stirring up a big debate in Iowa these days.

In June, a federal judge ruled that the InnerChange Freedom Initiative faith-based reentry program was an unconstitutional establishment of religion. ICF and its founding organization Prison Fellowship, however, disagree and are appealing.

“This is more than just a faith-based outreach. I don't think these programs are controversial because they are fully supported by private funds, and fully voluntary for those who want to participate,” PF president Mark Earley claims.

Iowa's constitutional conflict brings to light a number of issues surrounding faith-based rehabilitation. While some states have banned faith-based programs that draw on public funding, the question of privately-funded ventures remains unanswered. Additionally, a bigger question lingers in corrections: Is a faith-based program in prison a problem if it gets results?

“This program really has an ultimate goal of reducing recidivism,” Earley explains. “The real issue of public safety is not just about getting criminals off the street, but helping them transform their lives without returning to a revolving door of crime.”

PF, a non-profit religious ministry that began in 1990, commissioned a study to discover just how important religion was for those returning to the community. Researchers reported a large discrepancy in successful re-entry for those inmates that participated in Bible study and those that did not, leading researchers to conclude that participation in such programs significantly reduced the likelihood of re-arrest.

Iowa issues aside, PF continues to make an impact in states across the country through partnerships and solo ventures.

In Ohio this month, the organization is gearing up for Operation Starting Line in collaboration with some 50 churches across the state. Boasting 550 new faith-based volunteers, OSL will enter 42 facilities in Ohio and provide inmates with mentors.

“The Christian community can supply life coaches for the men and women behind bars,” says Ohio DOC religious service administrator Gary Sims. “These volunteers can offer a new perspective to these inmates. They can help them to develop life skills and work skills that they will need to be successful in taking care of their own families. I think the Christian community is largely an untapped resource.”

Volunteering offenders can use OSL to find a mentor and take advantage of the positive messages delivered by the program's Platform Artists. Performers, ranging from Grammy Award-winning vocalists like Sherman Andrus to Aaron Johnson, who previously served as the North Carolina DOC secretary, provide a interesting backdrop that draws inmates.

“These artists come in and show off their profession. Then they give a gospel message and talk about issues like dedication, rehabilitation and faith,” Sims explains. “They tell these men and women what they can do to become responsible citizens inside prison and outside of prison. These performances are a great way to get offenders interested and involved.”

Local volunteers stay in touch with offenders to offer long-term support, and serve as more than just mentors; they are also links back to the community.

“We leave in our wake a trail of trained volunteers for the long haul,” Earley says. “These volunteers are a huge asset to wardens and corrections professionals. With these volunteers, OSL is not a 10 day program in one state. It's a program that sustains these offenders for months and years to come.”

The volunteers, who join OSL through church involvement, go through a rigorous training program. In Ohio, for example, they trained from August 12th to the 20th to prepare for their work behind bars.

“These volunteers are going into prison. This isn't like the Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts,” Sims says. “They have to be orientated to the fact that they are entering prison. The training is very comprehensive.”

A good volunteer will understand what curves inmates might go through in their lives. Earley adds that the most successful volunteers are loving individuals with compassion.

“This allows the Christian community to put their faith in action,” Sims adds.

Inmates are also volunteers, in their own right. According to Sims and Earley, offenders must decide on their own if the program is for them.

“OSL provides cards to those inmates who are interested with the dates of the program listed,” Sims explains. “They know they have the choice. They have to want to make a change. They can make a spiritual change in their lives. It's easy to take care of your physical body, but this gives them a chance for introspection. We want them to understand the meaning of their lives and the responsibility of getting and keeping a job.”

While Iowa continues to debate the merits and constitutionality of faith-based rehabilitation, other states are welcoming PF and ICF collaborative projects into facilities to help them lower recidivism rates.

Bottom Line: With Ohio as the next OSL pit-stop, keep an eye out for PF in your state and be sure to send us your feedback about the program.