The Real Cost of Prisons Weblog

Rep. Richard Morrissette, D-Oklahoma City, said he agreed with the goals of the legislation. "They are extremely meritable and worthy. But you are crossing the line," Morrissette said.

He complained that the bill would grow government by creating a new Office of Faith Based Initiatives and that there would be little accountability for how tax dollars allocated to the office would be spent.

Rep. Al Lindley, D-Oklahoma City, said it is appropriate for church groups to work with state prisoners but they should pay for the services with money the groups raise on their own, not state tax dollars.

"State government has no business paying for programs run by a church," Lindley said.

The Department of Corrections already sponsors faith- and character-based programs at two state prisons, the Mabel Bassett Correctional Center for women in McCloud and the medium-security Oklahoma State Reformatory in Granite, said DOC spokesman Jerry Massie.

The programs are patterned after similar programs in Texas, Kansas and Florida and are designed to provide opportunities for offenders "to make positive, lasting life changes," Massie said. The programs are voluntary and anyone can apply to participate.

"Institutions that have implemented these programs in other states have reported less violence among inmates, fewer inmate misconducts and a decrease in recidivism," Massie said.

Character training curriculum was developed with the help of the Character Training Institute of Oklahoma City, a nonprofit group that provides seminars and consulting services to encourage success in business, schools and other organizations by developing good character, he said.

Massie said character training is performed by prison staff and volunteers and religious training is performed exclusively by volunteers. A total of 200 inmates are enrolled in the yearlong program at Mabel Bassett, he said.

In Arkansas, the InnerChange Freedom Initiative has a capacity for 50 female prisoners at the state's Wrightsville Unit. The state's Tucker Unit can take 120 men.

In the Bible-based Arkansas program, inmates live in a separate unit and attend classes on skills including computer skills and anger management. They also participate in religious devotionals. After being released from prison, participants receive guidance from a mentor and a local religious group for at least six months.

Rep. John Wright, R-Broken Arrow, said Oklahoma's faith-based legislation offers "a glimmer of hope" to state inmates who need help as they prepare to leave their prison cells and re-enter society.

"Send a ray of hope that you think their lives can be productive. And give them some help," Wright said.

The measure's author, House Speaker Lance Cargill, R-Harrah, said government should not discriminate against faith-based and volunteer groups that want more input in counseling and rehabilitation of state inmates.

"If it's a good program, demonstrated results, it's worthy of support," Cargill said.

He said the faith-based program will initially be funded with $100,000 in state funds. A policy council composed of lawmakers, prosecutors, crime victims and former inmates will review prison re-entry policies and suggest improvements.

Cargill has said statistics point out that two-thirds of all prison inmates commit new offenses and wind up back behind bars within three to five years.

The measure would establish incentives for partnerships between prison officials and faith-based and community groups. It would also encourage private and public groups to help inmates find jobs and services before they are released.

"I think faith plays an important role in a person's life," Cargill said. "A government program doesn't love anybody. People love people."

The measure, House Bill 2101, now goes to the Senate for final action.
http://ap.ardmoreite.com/pstories/state/ok/20070522/171975133.shtml