WHAT WE DO
Recidivism Facts
Many released inmates become repeat offenders and lack the support to effectively return and engage with family and community. PMGG, Inc, ministry supports these men in their journey to achieve independent decision-making that reflects moral character and personal responsibility.
What is Recidivism?
Florida Department of Corrections defines recidivism as "when an offender returns to prison for any reason within three years of release." Currently, Florida has a recidivism rate of 25% and is much more likely to occur within the first six months after an prisoner is released. Studies have shown that the longer an ex-offender stays out of prison, the less likely they are to return.
Creating a Positive Change
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Newly released ex-offenders must confront a new set of difficulties faced by reentering society. With the grace of God, PMGG, Inc. is reaching the lost, and transforming the lives of ex-convicts to not only be successful within the community, but also in their family lives.
Men who typically have the most critical family responsibilities, between the ages of 25-49, show a greater rate of recidivism.
4 Key factors that contribute to a lower likelihood of recidivism
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1. Regular participation in chaplain services
Prison Chaplains, in partnership with community/church volunteers, provide faith based services in the area of mentoring, counseling, bible studies and worship services. Inmates rated chaplain services as the #1 effective prison program.
Chaplain services rated #1 for
institutional program effectiveness
2. A lower custody level upon release
Work release centers allow prisoners to achieve independent decision-making that reflects moral character and personal responsibility. Transitional housing and contracted work release centers in other Florida communities have shown a 36% lower recidivism rate than inmates released directly from major correctional institutions.
3. Higher tested education level
Inmates who participated in educational programs were 43% less likely to return to prison. Studies have shown that programs that included adult basic education (ABE), high school/GED, postsecondary education, and/or vocational training programs showed a reduction in recidivism.
Inmates in educational programs
were 43% less likely to return to prison
4. Higher number of visits one year prior to release
Maintaining a one-on-one real-world connection is critical for emotional support during incarceration as well as upon release.
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Sources: 2013 Rand Study, 2014 Florida PRS, 2014 Florida Prison Recidivism study
