Opportunities for women in prison: The reintegration program of the Hungarian Baptist Church's Prison Mission

Emőke Kereskedő

Abstract

The reintegration of female prisoners holds significant social importance, as successful resettlement reduces the risk of recidivism, strengthens community safety, and helps mitigate the intergenerational reproduction of social disadvantage. The unique life circumstances of women in prison—especially those related to motherhood, family roles, and societal stigma—call for targeted forms of support that extend beyond traditional correctional interventions. This case study examines the reintegration of female inmates within the prison ministry of the Hungarian Baptist Church, with particular attention to the role of spiritual and social support. The study first presents the specific psychosocial characteristics of female prisoners, the effects of stigmatization, family background, and separation from children, as well as the Hungarian reintegration programs that respond to these needs (especially the EFOP and EFOP-Plus projects). It then introduces the planned establishment and operational model of the Hungarian Baptist Church's Reintegration Center, which assists formerly incarcerated women through a complex, multidisciplinary approach—including spiritual, legal, social, and labour-market support. The case study also focuses on the volunteers serving in the reintegration program and analyzes their roles and their achievements. Its main conclusion is that the key to successful female reintegration lies in a personalized system of support grounded in faith and community, which begins within the walls of the prison. The study highlights the importance of social awareness, the development of gender-specific programs, and the expansion of aftercare services as fundamental factors that reduce recidivism and strengthen social cohesion. The presence of volunteers is essential in the reintegration process: their personal commitment, authenticity, and supportive engagement provide additional spiritual and emotional resources that meaningfully complement the professional work of the correctional system. Their involvement forms a bridge between the internal transformation initiated in prison and the women's re-entry into society, fostering trust, motivation, and the development of a realistic future perspective.

Keywords: female prisoners, reintegration, prison ministry, religion, volunteering, Hungarian Baptist Church, social responsibility