A faith-based program at the Fayette County Detention Center using pastoral experience, Correctional psychology, Wisdom traditions including AA, group dynamics and volunteers. The project coordinator has 17 years experience in correctional consulting and 40 years experience in pastoral counseling (overlapping :-)

Monday, January 10, 2005

Beginnings in 2002

This program began as an ad hoc jail ministry to inmates at the Fayette County Detention Center in 2002. Many inmates ask for bibles and there are a few volunteer bible study programs. Most inmates "get God" in jail and lose God when they walk out the door. A Bible study program is simply not effective for the radical change in life style desperately needed.

Most inmates are there for crimes associated with addiction, mostly theft. There are a few tax supported programs in AA and GED. Two of three offenders are back in jail within three years. We have an enormous problem in the effectiveness of our justice system.

We are dealing with our exploding drug problem by punishing the addict. All the jails and prisons are overflowing. In some counties, the jails are Third World conditions with as many as 600 housed in space built for 150. Dr. Robert Lawson, UK Law Professor is addressing this issue in a research paper to be published soon, and we hope to highlight his research. Kentucky's penal system has become one of the most harsh in the nation. So many expenses simply in warehousing that there is no money for rehabilitation programs.

Steps are being taken to raise awareness of these programs as it is part of the state budget crunch. Kentucky is now spending $300 million per year. Nationally, we now have seven million persons in our correctional system either as inmates or on parole. This is the highest rate of incarceration of any nation in the world except Russia.

We in the SGN of Kentucky have conceived a total program that summons a life style change. This blog will explain that and ask for comment and discussion. We have the total support of the FCDC administration, staff and chaplain. Inmates are screened for readiness, and interviewed. If accepted they are moved to a specific pod or residential unit of ten. Volunteers provide daily lessons. Inmates follow a workbook of exercises and daily group meetings.

Each volunteer gives one hour per week. We invite others to consider joining this program as a volunteer or to consider undertaking a similar project in your locality. Here we expect to tell you about this program and invite comment and discussion. We are much encouraged by the success of the program so far. Inmate response is very positive. Please join us.

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