Study on Effectiveness of Faith-Based Services Shows Little Difference - June 2, 2003 Vol. 4 No. 11

June 2, 2003 Vol. 4 No. 11:

Published: 06/02/2003

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Study on Effectiveness of Faith-Based Services Shows Little Difference

Ever since President Bush announced his faith-based initiative in January 2001, the administration has claimed faith-based programs are more effective than secular programs, but most of the evidence has been anecdotal. That has now changed, with publication of a study by Indiana University and Purdue University comparing results of faith-based and secular job training programs.

The study found no difference in the job placement rate or starting pay for people in the two types of programs. However, participants in the faith-based programs worked fewer hours and were less likely to have health insurance.

The study examined a sample of 2,830 people in 27 job training programs in two Indiana cities -- Indianapolis and Gary. It was based on statistics reported to the state for two years from the 11 religious and 16 secular programs studied.

The study also surveyed congregational leaders interested in seeking government grants, and found that 67% did not know that government funds cannot be used to support prayer and bible study in programs. The authors said "constitutional instruction" are needed to ensure programs are conducted in a constitutionally appropriate manner.

Similar studies are now underway for substance abuse programs in Washington state, housing for homeless families in Michigan and parenting programs in Mississippi. The research is being coordinated by the Roundtable on Religion and Social Policy.