Research and Study Proves Criminal Reform Program Works

September 11, 2004 -- ABLE (Association for Better Living and Education International) programs reach into all aspects of society to improve conditions for all people. One area which ABLE addresses, through its guidance of Criminon International (a criminal reform program meaning "no crime")and the Criminon network, is the eradication of crime and the creation of safer communities in which children and adults can flourish and prosper.

How well is this being accomplished? Here are some statistics:

A U.S. government study found that nationally 74% of offenders return to prison. Statistics of Criminon course graduates, however, show that only 10% return to prison. That means that only about one quarter of those released from prison in the United States remain crime free -- while 90% of Criminon graduates cease criminal activity.

And this level of effectiveness is not just a United States phenomena. For example, in Pretoria, South Africa Criminon operates the Criminon New Life Center for juvenile offenders. So far 160 juveniles have graduated from the Criminon program. Again 90% have remained crime free. See the results in the success stories below:

"I used to look at life as a dog-eat-dog world. Moral codes were for people who had everything already. It never occurred to me that's why they succeeded. Coming to prison was a physical manifestation of a poor attitude and distored belief system, but as time passed by I realized something needed changing within me.

"The Personal Integrity Course has opened my eyes to the transgressions I committed and the natural results which always follow. As I completed each lesson I could clearly see the errors I've made. From committing overts and withholds to using justifications and blow-offs to deal with life in my own sick way. I can now see how simple minded, selfish and foolish I was, and it's actually a relief to know that there is a way out.

"Today I try to practice what I've learned and to monitor my thoughts and actions throught the day. If I'm ever to become the man I aspire to be, I must always remember the lessons I've learned in this course.

" ' To be free a man must be honest with himself and his fellows.' This statement from The Way to Happiness sums it all up for me." -R.C., State Prison, North Carolina

" 'Life-changing' is the best way to describe my experiences in doing The Way to Happiness Course. I always thought I was pretty moral … then I got mixed up with the wrong people and ended up in prison. This course opened my eyes to the blind spots I had and helped me re-think my conduct and way of life.

"Without the uplifting realizations and practical use of the precepts – especially the virtues – I don't know how I would have made it through the worst time of my life. As one of the Education Department teachers I worked for said: "You turned a negative to a positive. You'll never be back [in prison again." The Way to Happiness and Criminon are a big part of the reason why this is so." - K.H., State Prison, Covington, Kentucky

"Over the past year and one half, I have developed a more competent work schedule. I, at this time, am fulfilling the obligations of the education department concerning my GED. I feel more confident in my ability to express myself to others. In so doing, I hope to set a good example for others.

"Because of what I have learned, I am constantly sought out by others and asked for help, and can only hope to be worthy of the trust others see in me. I now fee that it is a good feeling to treat others the way I would like to be treated. I feel better about myself as a person, and hope others see me in the same light." - J.H., State Prison, Pendleton, Indiana

"In The Way to Happiness Course, I've learned many things. In example, I've learned to be patient with my children, and to understand my wife's feelings and being able to say I'm sorry to her, and being honest with her is the most important thing in our relationship. Changing my life, and setting an example for my beloved children. Being not only honest with others but honest to MYSELF.

"I've learned that my stay in prison is a lot easier if I support and obey the rules and laws of the prison system.

"Respecting the religious beliefs of others and trying to understand others and their beliefs is important to me now.

"I've taken the virtues to heart and use them as a daily reminder of how I should behave.

"The Way to Happiness Course has helped change my life. And because of this course, I'm a better person now and understand why things happen and the outcome of our actions. Accepting blame for my errors and making an effort to correct myself is also very important and life changing for me." - M.O., State Prison, Palestine, Texas

Find out more about Criminon at http://www.criminon.org

Find out more about ABLE at http://www.able.org




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