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Faith-Based Prisons: A Primer

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 5, 2008

FAITH-BASED PRISONS: A PRIMER

The Hillsborough County Correctional Institution in Riverview is one of three faith-based prisons in Florida and is the only such facility in the nation that accepts women inmates.

Modeled after the Florida Department of Corrections' Faith- and Character-Based Institutions initiative, the prison provides classes and programs for inmates who volunteer to transfer there and are motivated to turn their lives around and re-enter society as productive, law-abiding citizens.

Many of the classes and programs are run by community volunteers and mentors at no charge. Inmate programs are funded in part by state grants but rely heavily on private donations to purchase supplies and equipment.

At the minimum- to medium-security facility, at 11150 County Road 672 south of Big Bend Road, about 300 inmates are housed in open bay, dormitory-style rooms.

In addition to working at jobs inside the prison or attending academic classes full time, prisoners may choose to attend vocational courses in cabinetmaking, carpentry or culinary arts, and life skills classes such as anger management, creative writing and parenting. Chaplaincy services also are available, including religious education, domestic violence counseling and prison fellowship.

Any inmate can apply to transfer to the institution, but there is a waiting list, and assignments are made as beds become available. Inmates also must meet eligibility criteria, including a stipulation that they have not been placed in disciplinary confinement for the past 90 days.

Local churches, businesses or community members interested in volunteering or mentoring at the prison or donating to vocational programs to purchase supplies may call Chaplain Rex Henry at (813) 671-5022.

For more information about faith- and character-based institutions, call (850) 488-5021or go to www.dc.state.fl.us.

Laura Frazier

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