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| Georgia trying new faith-based program at state prisons |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 08/30/2004 |
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Georgia officials are trying a new faith-based program at six state prisons, which they hope will help inmates stay out of trouble once they are released. The program seeks to teach inmates personal responsibility, ethics, life skills, tolerance and respect for themselves and others. Already, 444 inmates have entered the program at Pulaski State Prison. The program has also being established at prisons in Walker, Habersham, Macon, Lowndes and Calhoun counties. Officials plan to start a faith-based program in all state prisons. Most Georgia prisons employ chaplains, and inmates attend Bible study and worship services. But the introduction of an intensive 12-week program is a first in the state. The faith-based dorms at Pulaski State Prison look and feel like a regular prison. There are cells and officers standing watch. But there are also differences. The yelling, cursing and fights that are common in the general population are rare there. Inmates attend classes, where they may learn how to dress for a job, communicate better with their families or cope with adversity. To qualify for the program, an inmate must have a record clear of behavioral problems for the preceding 90 days. But a single infraction such as fighting, stealing or failing to follow orders, is an automatic ticket back to the general population. Of the program's inmates at Pulaski, 317 are Protestants, 33 are Catholics, 29 are Muslim, five are Jehovah's Witnesses and one is Wiccan. Another 59 claim no religious affiliation. But critics say there are no studies that prove the effectiveness of faith-based programs and that they unconstitutionally mix government and religion. |
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