The course will examine in depth the nature of correctional work. The major topics include theories of criminal behavior, justifications for punishment, correctional philosophy, the correctional processes, correctional treatment methodology, recidivism, early American prisons, today's prisons, prisons of the future, faith-based initiatives and the role of probation/parole in the criminal justice system.
Any minister, lay leader, or mission minded believer engaging persons who have a criminal conviction will inevitably ask themselves questions related to the correctional system. Those within the criminal justice profession seeking to live out a missional calling through their work would benefit from a structured and guided engagement about corrections. The topic regarding how to address and reduce recidivism while providing consequences for criminal behavior is a topic that affects all in society. Due to the current state, members of the community would benefit a better understanding of and knowledge of Corrections.
The correctional system has far-reaching application. The outlook on crime prevention and control, the emphasis on making community members active participants in the process of problem solving, and correctional administrators’ s role in Corrections require changes within correctional organizations. By offering services during incarceration and providing alternatives to incarceration, recidivism can be lowered and successful reintegration of offenders into society can be achieved. This application of serving current and ex-offenders has long been explored in the Christian faith. It would benefit the larger mission of God for mission-minded individuals with training in criminal justice as well as community members to become active with the correctional system.
Corrections involves all members of society. This course could help develop biblically-educated criminal justice providers and community members.
If criminal justice practitioners desire to live out their missional calling in the criminal justice field, they will desire to guide and shape their institutions to develop strategies and programs to assist current and ex-offenders. Ninety-eight percent of those in the prison system will eventually be released. Correctional leaders, citizens, and mission-minded believers can make an impact on the lives of those within the prison system and those returning to society. Spiritual, social and support services tend to play a significant role in the lives of current and ex-offenders which effects the community in which they will return.
The corrections field is a unique ministry context, and a course on corrections to include faith-based initiatives would help practitioners and community members as a whole apply broader biblical principles to the communities they work and live in.
A large part of corrections tends to the issues of culture and equity. Criminal justice values can change among differing cultures. Corrections is applicable in this area.
A large part of corrections tends to the issues of culture and equity. Criminal justice values can change among differing cultures. Corrections is applicable in this area.
Corrections is best learned through theories and application. Learners would bring their cases to the table for discussion and learning and return to their practice with the benefit of that learning.
