Jails and prisons invariably provide religious support to inmates, but few agencies have chaplains who solely support correctional staff. Staff deserve and need spiritual support. They serve in a tough environment — plus their shifts mean they often miss uplifting holidays, weekends, family celebrations, and faith services. Many in corrections say that their work is unseen, unknown, and unappreciated by the public. These “hidden heroes” welcome volunteer chaplains who initiate contact and provide a convenient, caring, confidential ear. When distressed, staff typically don’t reach out for help; but a roving chaplain who checks on every on-duty member can uncover and support anguished hearts. It helps to share distress, to release it, knowing “I’m not alone.” This can aid emotional and physical well-being. Since its launch in January 2018, this roving, chaplains-just-for-staff initiative has been successful at Cook County jail – so much so that three of its 30-year COs returned after retirement to join the chaplain team!
During this Webinar You’ll Learn about:
- The need for and value of having on-site, roving, volunteer chaplains who solely support correctional staff
- Why it’s not optimum to have volunteers who support inmates to also support correctional staff
- How chaplains-for-staff complement EAP and Peer Support
- How to launch, maintain, and grow a no-cost chaplain-for-staff program at your facility
This webinar is part of the JCH Summer School Program. From June 1-August 31, 2023, attendees will receive a certificate of attendance via email about one hour after the conclusion of a webinar.
Want to join us for other Summer School webinars? Check out our Summer School Calendar and register today!
The American Jail Association (AJA) is a national, nonprofit organization that supports the professionals who operate our Nation’s jails. It is the only national association that focuses exclusively on issues specific to the operations of local correctional facilities. The driving force behind the phenomenal growth of AJA is its members. AJA has taken a leadership role in developing the type of programs that promote the professional growth of the dedicated men and women who operate our Nation’s jails. Jail staff have the responsibility for the management of people who have been charged with violating our laws and often mock the ideals on which AJA was founded. Jail personnel find themselves sorely tested each day in the jail environment when they receive scorn and derision for their loyalty and perseverance under extremely trying circumstances. AJA takes this opportunity to salute the jail staff of the Nation who, by their dedication to the difficult task of local corrections, have made a vital, positive difference to the welfare of the communities they serve. Click here to learn more about AJA.
