InnerChange Freedom Initiative: Frequently-Asked Questions

Are inmates who practice other faiths able to participate in IFI?
Yes, persons of all faith or no faith are welcome to participate in the IFI Program. They should understand and acknowledge that IFI is a values-based re-entry program based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and his followers. Inmates of other faiths are allowed to attend worship services of their choice and have scriptural texts and other religious documents of their faith for their own personal use.


Do IFI participants have to be Christians?
No. IFI participants are not required to be Christian to enter the program, to remain in the program, or to graduate from the program. They must be aware and acknowledge that IFI is a values-based program based on the life and teachings of Jesus.


Does Prison Fellowship have its own prisons?
Prison Fellowship does not have its own prisons, but we contract with a program called the InnerChange Freedom Initiative (IFI) in some prisons to provide staffing and support services. IFI is a separate 501 (c)(3) organization. IFI is a values-based program that promotes spiritual and moral transformation through the values and teachings of Jesus. IFI operates in prisons through a contractual relationship with the state.

While the state continues to provide food, clothing, shelter and security to the inmates, IFI staff and volunteers provide intensive values-based programming taught from a Worldview based on the life and teachings of Jesus. Currently located at prisons in Minnesota and Texas, IFI offers a prison experience like no other. Inmates of all faiths or of no faith may volunteer to participate in the program and must meet several selection criteria for admission. IFI's unique plan of restoration begins 18 months before an inmate is released and continues for an additional 12 months after re-entry. The curriculum stresses personal responsibility, the value of education and work, care for persons and property, and the reality of a new life based on the values taught by Jesus and his followers.


How are volunteers for IFI selected?
Each IFI program will provide hundreds of volunteer opportunities, ranging from project-oriented assignments (such as seminar instructor or community service project coordinator) to more regular, day-to-day assignments (such as mentor). Volunteers will be recruited from local churches directly by IFI staff and indirectly through other ministries including Prison Fellowship. All volunteers must complete a thorough screening process that has been developed by both the state and Prison Fellowship in conjunction with IFI. Screening includes but is not limited to a personal interview, a full record check, and an application form that includes agreement with the Prison Fellowship Statement of Faith. Screened applicants are required to complete Prison Fellowship, state, and local IFI training before being certified as a prison volunteer.


How does IFI measure the program's success?
The program's success is measured at several levels:

First, we assess the extent to which the program changes participants' behavior. We closely evaluate changes in all aspects of their behavior, both in prison, and after they have been released into the community. This includes some or all of the following: in-prison infractions, return to custody rates, as well as positive action evidenced both in prison and in the community.

Second, we evaluate the extent to which the values, beliefs, and attitudes of IFI prisoners have changed or are changing as a result of participation with the program. We view a fundamental shift of values as an essential step of long-term behavioral change. These fundamental shifts in values and beliefs are the primary objective of the InnerChange Freedom Initiative. Behavioral change is an IFI objective and a primary objective for the state.

Third, we identify and use specific evidence-based program elements and curriculum that contribute to observable outcomes, such as small group interaction, criminal thinking classes, application of core values, relapse prevention, mentoring, , family reconciliation, special project assignments, etc.


Is IFI staffed completely by volunteers?
No, the program is designed to be staffed by seven to ten full-time paid professionals supporting the efforts of hundreds of volunteers who serve as instructors, small-group leaders, mentors, and administrative volunteers. IFI has a management contract with Prison Fellowship for the provision of staffing and support services.


What are the selection criteria for IFI inmates?
First and foremost, the IFI program is completely voluntary. It is open to any and all inmates that are approaching release, who seek true lifelong change in their lives. Persons of all faiths or no faith may participate; however, all applicants should understand that IFI is a values-based reentry program based on the life and teachings of Jesus.

Applicants must also:

• Be within 18 to 24 months of their release or parole date.
• Be willing to give up certain privileges, such as personal TVs or pornographic literature, and engage in a rigorous program of work and study.
• Be eligible for discharge or parole in program state.
• Be in good physical and mental health with no untreated conditions.
• Be functionally literate.