My Brother's Keeper

This book explores the rise of faith-based prison units globally, particularly focusing on My Brother's Keeper and its insights into rehabilitation and humane justice.

Ten years ago, faith-based units were virtually nonexistent in prisons outside of South America. Today, however, they are emerging globally, including in the United States, Europe, and the Commonwealth. My Brother's Keeper serves as the first significant study of this expanding phenomenon, providing insight into its origins and development.

The book delves into the historical roots of faith-based units in South America, highlighting the establishment of the first Christian-based unit in England and Wales in 1997. This unit's rapid growth coincided with the introduction of similar initiatives in the United States, which also embraced interfaith and multifaith programs. The authors explore the motivations behind these developments and the implications for prison systems.

At the core of My Brother's Keeper is an in-depth examination of life within four Christian-based prison units in England. Drawing from a comprehensive evaluation conducted for the Home Office, Prison Service, and Kainos Community between 2000 and 2001, the book includes updated reconviction studies. This authoritative account not only analyzes the successes and challenges of faith-based units worldwide but also presents a vision of justice focused on rehabilitation. By advocating for a more humane approach to incarceration, My Brother's Keeper offers a valuable roadmap for those invested in improving prison conditions and fostering hope within the penal system.