Alabama asks churches to rehab prisoners

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Gov. Bob Riley has asked Alabama churches to shoulder the burden of caring for newly released inmates, saying the state lacks the flexibility and funds to help them successfully reenter society.

He asked churches and charitable groups to provide a wide range of services to former inmates, including employment assistance, housing, clothing, health care and cash.

Speaking May 20 to a group of about 500 people, mostly religious leaders, Riley said churches can rise to the challenge just as they do following natural disasters.

Bill Johnson, director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, said the state releases 11,000 inmates a year and isn't capable of providing the services necessary to help them readjust. Even if the state had the funds, such programs aren't popular with taxpayers, he said.

The state will provide no direct funds to the program, called the Community Partnership for Recovery and Reentry, but will coordinate the efforts of churches and volunteer groups.

"We're admitting we can't solve the problem," Johnson said.

Deborah Daniels, state director of the Prison Fellowship Ministry, drew a chorus of "amens" when she said faith is necessary for rehabilitation.

"We allowed government to come in and take over what God's people are supposed to do," she said. "We talk about crime. But crime is sin. Apart from God, every child is troubled."

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