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Transformative Redemption: The Impact of Faith-Based Education in Prison

Robin LaBarbera • Apr 12, 2023

Faith-based education in prison changes lives.

A well-established body of research into what is considered effective treatment for justice-involved persons suggests that the interventions involve educational programs that focus on relevant behavioral, attitudinal, and lifestyle factors which are associated with offending. Therefore this study evaluated the efficacy of a prison-based theological training program called The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI), and the effect that TUMI had on students' criminogenic thinking and psychological well-being.

Education in prison

Both secular and religious educational programs in prisons can provide participants with the skills necessary to reintegrate into society, and it appears that they do so effectively. Participation in an array of educational programs can be beneficial in correctional settings and it is associated with increased well-being and adherence to prosocial beliefs and behaviors.

Criminogenic factors

Criminogenic needs are the factors in an offender’s life that are most strongly correlated to future criminal behavior. The major criminogenic needs are antisocial personality patterns, criminal attitudes, criminal associates, substance use, poor family/marital relationships, poor school/work performance, and low levels of prosocial recreational activities.

Well-being

Incarcerated individuals often show low levels of psychological well-being. The presence of well-being offers important protective factors in the face of the difficulties encountered upon reentry, whereas research shows that those with lower levels of well-being show greater psychological distress have more presence of negative emotions and maladjusted behavior in prison, and they are less capable of managing their emotions and adopt others’ perspectives effectively.

The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI)

TUMI was originally established by World Impact in the 1990s as theological training for pastors in communities of poverty, and 15 years ago, the Prison Ministry program was added, where church partners function as TUMI satellites to implement the curriculum in correctional settings. Inside prison walls, the program prepare incarcerated individuals for faith-based employment, community service, and family and social relationships through educational, values-based, Biblically-centered programming.

Findings

The results of this study suggest that participation in TUMI influenced criminogenic thinking and well-being. Arguably, the most important findings of this research stem from the discussion pertaining to criminogenic factors.

We know that the presence of well-being offers important protective factors in the face of the difficulties encountered upon reentry. Whereas most individuals who are incarcerated show low levels of psychological well-being, participants in our evaluation reported remarkably high levels of well-being.

Results from this research indicated that TUMI is effective at addressing criminal thinking and promoting well-being. Exploring how current and former students of a theological training program describe and think of their experiences illuminates how policymakers and practitioners can create meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation for their clients.

Read the full paper: LaBarbera, R. (2023) The transformative effect of prison-based theological education as perceived by current and former students: a pilot evaluation. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 62:4, 215-232. https://doi.org/10.1080/10509674.2022.2160039

Ready to learn about how program evaluation can maximize your organization’s community impact? From data collection, to analysis, to communicating findings to a wide audience, we develop insights that drive informed decisions. Get started by emailing robin@labarberalearning.com.

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