The first goal – to reduce recidivism rates of program graduates – can be directly measured through numbers recorded by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). Evaluation of Bridges To Life is an integral part of the program and has been ongoing since its inception. Inmates who participate in the program are typically in their last 12 months or less of incarceration. With the assistance of Victim Services Division of TDCJ, Bridges To Life is tracking all inmates after they are released from prison. Bridges To Life receives a monthly report concerning the status of all inmates who have completed our program.
The recidivism study is still in progress as released inmates are tracked for 3 years. The current statistics indicate a very positive impact on the inmates. 6,041 inmates have completed the Bridges To Life program since 2000 and 2,604 released inmates are currently in our recidivism study. 479 inmates (18.4%) have returned to the system. Of the 479 offenders who have returned to prison, 288 (11.1%) received new convictions and 191 (7.3%) returned due to technical violations. Only 33 (1.3%) of released offenders have returned for violent crimes. As previously indicated, this is not a completed 3-year study. National recidivism rates are 40 to 50%. Individual states often have different criteria for calculating recidivism.
Restoring Peace – Using Lessons From Prison to Mend Broken Relationships details the principles used in the Bridges To Life program, combined with actual stories from victim and inmate participants. The book is intended for repairing or improving relationships with others.
“The best part about this program is the small group setting which allows both victim and inmate to be open and honest with one another and the trust, confidence that is built through these groups.”