The Florida Senate

944.803  Faith-based programs for inmates.--

(1)  The Legislature finds and declares that faith-based programs offered in state and private correctional institutions and facilities have the potential to facilitate inmate institutional adjustment, help inmates assume personal responsibility, and reduce recidivism.

(2)  It is the intent of the Legislature that the Department of Corrections and the private vendors operating private correctional facilities shall continuously:

(a)  Measure recidivism rates for inmates who have participated in religious programs;

(b)  Increase the number of volunteers who minister to inmates from various faith-based institutions in the community;

(c)  Develop community linkages with churches, synagogues, mosques, and other faith-based institutions to assist inmates in their release back into the community; and

(d)  Fund through the use of inmate welfare trust funds pursuant to s. 945.215 an adequate number of chaplains and support staff to operate faith-based programs in correctional institutions.

History.--s. 19, ch. 97-78; s. 4, ch. 98-388.