Relationship Building in Faith, Restorative Justice and Community Corrections

• In Event: Impact of Restorative Justice in Institutional Settings

Abstract

This presentation discusses preliminary data from the Nehemiah Reentry Project which advocates for faith based organizations involvement in reentry. The Nehemiah Community Re-Entry Project is faith based collaboration between the University of the Incarnate Word, nonprofit/community organizations, churches/religious organizations, and local government. The faith based community has an increasing role in reentry. Nationally, these organizations have a critical responsibility in ensuring that formerly incarcerated individuals are receiving access to a continuum of care. Locally, the Bexar County Reentry Council and their Faith Based Committee has sought to engage faith communities in similar ways. Last year (2015) the participants completed a feedback form and participated in focus groups. This research will evaluate how forum participants and faith communities work together restoratively in support of reentry.

Author

• Doshie Piper, University of the Incarnate Word