Supervision of Inmate Religious Programs and Services

(1) General. Inmate services and religious programs shall be planned, supervised and directed, including the approval and training of both lay and clergy volunteers from faiths represented by the inmate population, by Institution Chaplains or by the Superintendent's designee, as appropriate. (2) Institution Chaplain. The services of an Institution Chaplain shall be made available upon request at all institutions, depending upon need. The Chaplain shall work under the direction of the Director of Program Services or designee, with onsite supervision provided by the Superintendent's designee. The Institution Chaplain shall also develop and maintain relationships with community religious groups and resources for the purpose of making referrals for inmate reentry planning purposes. (3) Selection and Hiring of Chaplains. Selection and hiring of Chaplains shall be in accordance with 103 DOC 201: Selection and Hiring. The interview panel shall also include the Director of Program Services or designee, and the Director of Treatment or the Superintendent's designee at the institution where the vacancy exists. (4) Ecclesiastical Endorsement. A Jewish Chaplain shall have the endorsement of a rabbinical chaplaincy commission. A Catholic Chaplain shall have the endorsement of the local Archbishop. A Protestant Chaplain shall have the endorsement of his or her local church and the appropriate ecclesiastical authority. A Muslim Chaplain shall have the endorsement of the Imam of the Muslin Chaplain’s local Masjid. (5) Duties and Responsibilities. The Institution Chaplain shall have physical access to all areas of the institution and be responsible for: (a) Planning, developing, coordinating and implementing inmate religious programs and services. (b) Completing special activity and program applications for all religious programming with the exception of pure worship services. (c) Establishing schedules, calendars, postings or other methods of informing inmates and staff of existing and planned religious programs and services. Programs shall be planned in conjunction with the Superintendent's designee. (d) Providing supervision to all religious programs including, but not limited to: 1. Recruiting, screening and orienting prospective volunteers for religious programs and services; 2. Utilizing volunteer chaplains; 3. Approval and training of both lay and clergy volunteers from faiths represented by the inmate population. (e) Providing pastoral counseling and guidance to the inmate population. (f) Consulting with and advising professional staff on religious/spiritual issues associated with the inmate population. (g) Submitting an annual budget request to the Superintendent or designee. (h) Working with the Director of Program Services to develop resources and to expand and/or improve religious services. (i) Attending Chaplain meetings and professional training as developed by the Director of Program Services. (j) Attending professional training, seminars, or retreats mandated by the religious group with which the Chaplain is affiliated, approved by the Director of Program Services. (k) Assisting inmates in the development of reentry plans to meet their religious and spiritual needs. When specific referrals are made, they shall be documented in the designated IMS reentry screens. (l) Providing direct or indirect religious services for inmates incarcerated at the Institution Chaplain's assigned facility. Once an inmate is transferred or released, the Institution Chaplain shall discontinue services. (m) Developing and implementing family reunification activities to foster community support and strengthen inmate reentry. Obtaining the written authorization of the Superintendent or designee prior to contacting an inmate's family members. (n) Developing and maintaining relationships with community religious groups and resources for the purpose of inmate reentry planning.