Visitors to the unit describe it as open, supportive, friendly, and nurturing. In addition to the daily work details typically undertaken in prisons, inmates are expected to participate daily (or in the evening) in Bible-based classes, worship and devotions. Behaviour within the unit is expected to become more and more in tune with Christian
values and principles.

As the spirit of trust promoted in the unit develops, inmates will often display family-style affection
toward each other, with staff, and with volunteers. Such “brotherly hugs” are an essential feature of the program.

Staff and other leaders have sought to develop the unit as a kind of “church community” within the
confines of the prison – eg members are chosen for roles similar to those of church deacons or elders. Outside speakers, both motivational and inspirational, are also invited to attend meetings.

Staying in the unit is optional – six men asked to leave the programme during its first year. Rather than being a “soft option”, the kinds of inner changes expected within the unit are actually very challenging for many inmates. Two of those who asked to leave later wanted to return and did so. Six inmates
left to attend other programmes, and eleven for disciplinary reasons.

Initial results are promising. Drug use at the faith-based unit is unusually low – 2% in the FBU during its first year of operation, compared to a national average of 17% of all inmates tested. The incidence of violence in the unit is also comparatively very low.

Kim Workman, Executive Director of Prison Fellowship New Zealand explains the re-offending rates: "Nationally, 25% of all men leaving prison are back in prison within 12 months. Compare that statistic to those prisoners who have left the Faith Based Unit, and taken advantage of our post-release program. Of the twenty-eight men released from the unit in the last year, two have re-offended.

“If the rest stay out of trouble for the next 10 months, we are looking at a 7% re-offending rate. Realistically, we expect to see a 15-20% re-offending rate as has occurred overseas in similar units.”

Mr Workman points out that even a reduction of 5% in the national re-offending rate would mean 350 less inmates in the system – hence avoiding the need to build a costly new prison (approximate saving - $150m). 350 less inmates in the system would also represent an annual saving of $21m on annual
upkeep.”

He says the faith-based system is clearly effective in
reducing crime. “We believe the full potential of this response within the criminal justice system has yet to be fully explored.”

This article originally appeared in Inside Out: the official Newsletter of Prison Fellowship New Zealand and is reprinted here with permission. For more information of PF New Zealand please see http://www.pfnz.org.nz/