¹944.803 Faith-based programs for inmates.--

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

   1. (a) Measure recidivism rates for inmates who have participated in religious programs;
   2. (b) Increase the number of volunteers who minister to inmates from various faith-based institutions in the community;
   3. (c) Develop community linkages with churches, synagogues, mosques, and other faith-based institutions to assist inmates in their release back into the community; and

   4. (d) Fund through the use of the inmate welfare trust fund pursuant to s. 945.215 an adequate number of chaplains and support staff to operate chaplaincy programs in state correctional institutions.

      ¹Note.--Section 20, ch. 97-78, provides that "[t]he Department of Corrections shall conduct an in-depth study to measure the effectiveness of faith-based programs in both public and private correctional institutions and facilities, and shall make recommendations to the Legislature on modifications or improvements to existing programs. The study shall include an examination of innovative faith-based programs existing in other states. The findings and recommendations from the study shall be reported to the Legislature by January 1, 1998."

History.--s. 19, ch. 97-78.