Government Funds Faith-Based Juvenile Correction Programs

Fox News reported yesterday on the country's first group of federally-funded faith-based halfway houses and mentoring programs for juvenile offenders. The idea is being tested at six detention facilities across Florida. The offenders study the Bible and join in organized prayer as part of their correctional program. While the curriculum is Christian, offenders are linked with volunteer mentors of all faiths who work with the juveniles for a year after they are released. Critics of the program argue that it has crossed the line into prohibited government financing of religious teaching.