Introduction
Communities of Restoration (COR) are 24-hour, 7-day-a-week intensive prison regimes operated by Prison Fellowship NGOs. They are designed to reduce offending behaviour through character-focused, faith-based programming.
They focus on restoration of offenders to themselves, their families, their victims, their communities and their creator by allowing them to experience and participate in responsible, supportive and caring relationships.
COR Facts:
COR Facts:
- The programmes typically occupy a special unit or wing within a prison.
- Participants volunteer to be part of the programme after receiving an orientation in the nature and focus of the programme.
- Programming focuses on reducing attitudinal risk factors that contribute to offending behaviour through development of character, relational skills, family and life skills, and faith.
- While COR is “faith-based” (Christian ecumenical), it is open to persons of any or no faith. All that is required is that they be willing to respect the values and to explore the implications of Christianity as a response to the spiritual nature of humans. They are not required to be Christians to enter – or to graduate from – the programme.
- The staff is made up of qualified professionals and trained community volunteers. A key feature of COR is the inclusion of a broad base of programming provided by recognized community groups and organizations.
- CORs operate under various names in association with Prison Fellowship. They have a track record of successfully changing prisoner attitudes and behaviour. Research in Brazil and the USA has demonstrated that the programme reduces recidivism.