NCJ Number
127281
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 52 Issue: 7 Dated: (December 1990) Pages: 96-107
Date Published
1990
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Correctional chaplains have duties and challenges that are very different from their counterparts who serve congregations outside of prison walls.
Abstract
Some of the factors that correctional chaplains cite in choosing this line of work include compassion, a desire to help the hopeless, and an ability to counsel inmates on practical as well as spiritual matters. The Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program, completion of which is required of many correctional chaplains, offers on-the-job training in dealing with suicides, depression, psychosis, and behavioral and emotional problems. Flexibility and acceptance of other faiths is another prerequisite of prison chaplaining. The lack of available chaplains for some religions is often a problem for inmates. Many States require chaplains to participate in security training programs established for new employees. Many chaplains often provide services to correctional staff and their families as well as to inmates.