Out of darkness ... into light
Isaiah 49:9a

Synopsis:
Reduce recidivism by providing transition assistance information to individuals being released from correctional institutions nationwide.

Detailed Report:
As national recidivism rates indicate, over two thirds of the people released from prison will re-offend and return to prison within just a few years. This is a vicious cycle that has an astronomical impact on every arena of life in the United States.

Everyone has been impacted by crime in one way or another. Those who have been fortunate enough to avoid direct victimization certainly know someone personally who has not been so blessed.

In addition to the incalculable cost to those who have been victimized, everyone who pays taxes in America is supporting the multi-billion dollar criminal justice machine.

Recidivism rates prove conclusively that the "punishment" of prison is not a deterrent for crime. In fact, it only serves to harden the offender and, more often than not, results in a more capable criminal rather than a reformed ex-offender.

Unfortunately some people, regardless of what is done to help them, prove themselves to be incorrigible. None the less, studies show that the majority of incarcerated people are open to change.

"According to Florida DOC, substance abuse treatment results in a 44 percent reduction in recidivism; every grade improvement in reading drops the rate by 4 percent, and the data for the Faith- and Character-based programs show a recidivism rate in the single digits." - Allison DeFoor, St. Pete Times, January 19, 2008.

Long term studies on the impact of vocational training and education have proven dramatic reductions in recidivism. Studies on faith and character based programs yield even greater results.

These overwhelming statistics makes one wonder why the Department of Corrections doesn't put more emphasis on education, training, substance abuse counseling, and faith-based programs. Reducing recidivism protects the community from being further victimized and extorted, yet the budgets for all such effective programs are virtually zero.

To further compound the matter, and add to the numbers of ex-cons who re-offend, when a person is released from Florida DOC, they are given a one way bus voucher, $100, and one set of second hand clothes that are donated by a charitable organization.

With a criminal record for a resume, is it any wonder that so many return to crime for their means of support?

When given a chance, most of these people would much rather stay free and become a productive member of society. They simply don't have the tools they need to succeed.

That is where Free Inside Ministries can help make a difference.

Through collaborative efforts with various organizations, Free Inside Ministries envisions establishing an online database that will provide up-to-date transitional assistance information to the 700,000 people being released from custody every year in America.

There are a plethora of organizations that are equipped to provide various forms of assistance to ex-offenders. Providing information on assistance options prior to an inmate being released can aid them to plan for success rather than simply return to their old neighborhood and lifestyle.

Unlike commercial businesses who advertise to sell their products or services, local charitable organizations are often autonomous and become known in the community strictly by word of mouth. This is effective for people that have roots in the community. For a person that has been virtually sequestered from society for years, it is often too late when they learn of a resource that may have helped them in their hour of need.

Free Inside Ministries envisions compiling this national directory of charitable and government organizations specifically suited to providing assistance to newly released offenders and making this information available to everyone via the World Wide Web.

In doing so, Free Inside Ministries will give these men and women a valuable tool that will aid them immeasurably in their efforts to re-enter the community and be a productive member of society.