First federally funded faith-based youth justice program launched (Fla.)

[Judi Lynn]

First federally funded faith-based youth justice program launched

By SAMANTHA GROSS
Associated Press Writer

March 31, 2005

Some Florida juvenile offenders will be able to opt into the nation's first federally funded faith-based mentor program for young criminals, Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings announced Thursday.

Participation will require the consent of the youth and his or her parents. Children and volunteer mentors of any faith can sign up, but the administration will be Christian-based.
(snip)

Currently, detainees only receive religious services if private ministries or volunteers choose to come to the residential centers. Each mentor will be trained to work with a detainee and the child's family during detention and until at least one year after the youth's release.

"Gov. (Jeb) Bush and I share a commitment to strengthening families through measures such as this where communities provide a means to offer positive guidance and counseling to troubled youths," said Jennings.
(snip/...)

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050331/APN/503311155&cachetime=3&template=dateline

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. do you think Jeb would allow

a faith based PAGAN group to do the same thing? How about a Muslim group? Somehow, I doubt it.

[Judi Lynn]

2. Perhaps a group of the snake-handling Christians!

That could be interesting.

[CottonBear]

3. See post about public Saudi beheadings by sword. eom.

[OneBlueSky]

4. sorry, but government funding of "faith-based" groups is just wrong . . .

strict separation of church and state has served this nation well for many years . . . to watch BushCo overturn it at every opportunity is sickening . . . if churches are going to be part of the political process -- which includes receiving government funding -- then they should be taxed . . .

[geomon666]

5. Does that mean they will be beaten with paddles

and made to stand for hours with stacks of books in each hand? I'd rather go to prison thanks.