The Associated Press
McLOUD, Okla. — Oklahoma has more than 25,000 inmates in its crowded state and private prisons and officials are hoping faith-based programs will help reduce that number.
A law encouraging church and faith-based groups to take a strong role in trying to rehabilitate inmates was passed earlier this year. The first programs began in March at the Mabel Bassett Correctional Center where female inmates are held.
Armed robbery convict Jimmie Jones at Mabel Bassett says the program is helping her. She says she’s struggled with anger and personal issues but the program is teaching her how to cope and control her emotions.
Critics say the program may violate the separation of church and state. But supporters say similar programs show that just 17 percent of inmates who graduate are re-arrested within two years.
Oklahoma is also paying for drug courts for drug and alcohol addicts in which they can avoid prison by completing treatment programs and mental health courts are being established for those with mental illnesses.