The InnerChange program began in 1997 in the Texas correctional system. Created by the Prison Foundation Ministry as a faith based pre-release program, the program was originally named the InnerChange Freedom Initiative (IFI), and described itself as “a revolutionary, Christ centered, Bible-based prison program supporting prison inmates through their spiritual and moral transformation beginning while incarcerated and continuing after release.
After a shaky beginning InnerChange was credited with reducing the recidivism rate of program graduates, and the results caught the attention of other states. Phys.org states that in Minnesota, ” InnerChange reduced re-arrest by 26 percent, re-conviction by 35 percent and re-imprisonment for a new felony offense by 40 percent,” as well as saving taxpayers $3 million. Click here to go to website
The Minnesota Department of Corrections report “An Outcome Evaluation of the InnerChange Freedom Initiative” offers some key findings:
Participation in InnerChange significantly decreased the risk of reoffending by 26-40 percent. The reductions in recidivism were: 26 percent for rearrest, 35 percent for reconviction, and 40 percent for new offense reincarceration.
Participation in InnerChange did not have a significant effect on technical violation revocations.
Beneficial recidivism outcomes for InnerChange are likely due to continuum of mentoring support some participants received in prison and the community.
InnerChange is a cost-effective program for the State of Minnesota. The program exacts no additional costs to the state. Costs are privately funded. (It) relies heavily on volunteers from the community.
Lowers recidivism, which includes reduced reincarceration and victimization costs.
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