Recidivism remains a persistent challenge within the Canadian
criminal justice system, with significant social and economic
implications. Despite various interventions, many individuals released
from prison reoffend, leading to high rates of incarceration. This cycle
creates strain on correctional facilities, law enforcement agencies, and
the broader community. The cost of incarceration is also a growing
concern, as taxpayers shoulder the financial burden of maintaining
correctional institutions (Camp et al., 2006). Faith-based programs
have emerged as a promising approach, offering spiritual
transformation, mentorship, and community support to help
individuals break free from criminal behavior patterns (Alm et al.,
2024). These programs aim to provide inmates with a renewed sense of
purpose, encouraging them to make positive life choices that reduce
their likelihood of reoffending.
This research examines the role of Christian faith-based initiatives
in reducing recidivism, analyzing their effectiveness and potential for
broader implementation. The central research question is: "What role
do faith-based programs play in reducing recidivism in Canadian
prisons?" Additionally, the study seeks to understand how
collaboration between law enforcement, correctional institutions, and
faith-based organizations can enhance the success of these programs.
By exploring these questions, this research aims to contribute to
policy discussions on the integration of faith-based rehabilitation
efforts within the Canadian justice system.
