Faith-based prison programs have been proven to reduce recidivism effectively. There is a distinction between helping prisoners meet basic needs after their release and helping them reduce their chances of being reincarcerated after prison life-though these two dimensions of help are, of course, not independent. Faith-based programs fulfill both needs, but they especially focus on addressing criminogenic factors more so than non-criminogenic needs. Criminogenic factors directly relate to recidivism, including antisocial attitudes and values, antisocial peers, impulsive behavior, a lack of self-control, ineffective coping skills, poor work, and school performance, and the absence of healthy relationships (Latessa, 2020).

Faith-based prison programs provide an environment of support and companionship through a social community. The concepts of faith and religion often accompany the notion of a social institution in which members can participate in traditions and activities. The more attachment and purpose a person feels in connection to his religious institution, the less likely he is to commit a crime because he perceives that he has more to lose (Cox & Matthews, 2007). Connections with a community founded on faith can help to “develop a socialized mind and integrate individuals into a larger social context for individuals who find themselves most isolated” (Mowen et al., 2017).

In addition, building relationships with others involved in faith-based programs can establish dependability and hold individuals accountable for their actions and behaviors. In such communities, it would be unacceptable to act in ways that may be admissible in traditional prison culture. Accordingly, faith-based programs would work to change prison culture through the formation of fellowship and community.