Prison offers marriage counseling

CARLISLE, Ind. (WTHI) - A maximum security prison is probably the last place you would think a marriage workshop would be held.

"I would never expect for a facility to have something like this, ever," a prisoner's fiance Erica Hazzard said.

The Wabash Valley Correctional Facility has been running the counseling program for two years.

The Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program also known as PREP brings couples together to work on communication skills and family values.

"This helps her, it helps us. We have two boys, we have a little baby and helps us communicate, it helps me communicate more with them," prisoner Ricky Griffin said.

However, in this tough economy some wonder where they get the money to fund this program.

A government grant gives prisons statewide $400,000 and it may seem like a lot, but they said it pays off.

Director of Religious Services Dr. Stephen Hall said the price is well worth it in order to help reduce crime.

"If you can reduce the recidivism rate by 1 percent you have more than paid for this you will have created a safer community in which to live," Hall said.

Hall said offenders in this program are better off in the long run.

In fact, Hall said with the last 200 prisoners released "around 20 had returned so that's around 10 percent or less return rate."

A very low number compared to the national average return rate of 67 percent and Indiana's average is 37 percent.

"It's not just about not re-offending but taking responsibility and programs like this help you understand what you need to do," inmate Gary Green said.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services funds the program.

It's a five year grant that helps more than 13 statewide prisons.