FAITH AND CHARACTER BASED PRISONS
Governor Jeb Bush announced the creation of the nation’s first entirely faith and character based prison at Lawtey Correctional Institution on December 5, 2003. For individuals who are motivated to change their lives, programs like this can make a tremendous difference and create a pathway out of the criminal justice system. Florida is leading the nation in developing innovative partnerships with faith-based and community groups throughout the state.
Since that announcement, Florida has opened two more faith and character based prisons-one at Hillsborough Correctional Institution and one at Wakulla Correctional Institution. In addition, Florida has instituted faith and character based dormitories at seven other correctional institutions.
The inmates at faith and character based prisons have lower rates of disciplinary action, when compared to inmates who meet the eligibility profile for a faith and character based institution, but are incarcerated in a non-faith and character based prison.
Although five other states have instituted faith and character based prisons, Florida is the only state:
Providing a program for females.
Where the duration of the program can last until release.
With dedicated faith and character based facilities.
Including secular programming in addition to religious programming.
Where the program is state managed, as opposed to contract managed.