WICHITA, Kan. (AP) – Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback says getting non-profit and faith-based groups involved with criminal offenders can reduce the number returning to prison after being released.

KWCH-TV reports that Brownback spoke in Wichita on Monday at the “Out for Life” conference, which runs through Wednesday. The conference was organized by Prison Fellowship, a nationwide group that promotes ministry in prisons and church support for offenders after their release.

The Kansas Corrections Department says 43 percent of the offenders released from prisons will return for new crimes within three years.

Brownback told the conference that getting non-profit and faith-based groups engaged could reduce that figure.

Corrections Secretary Ray Roberts opened the conference by encouraging religious volunteers to increase their efforts to help offenders stay out of prison.

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Information from: KWCH-TV, https://www.kwch.com