Thanks to the dedication of selfless and insightful leaders, additional opportunities to help staff have been identified and implemented, which jail leadership may want to explore. The following programs offer resources for correctional professionals who may be struggling in any area of life.

The Chicago Model by Chaplain Linda Ahrens

Since 2018, I’ve been a volunteer chaplain solely to correctional staff. Before that, I spiritually supported detainees, which was how I observed that correctional staff equally needed a caring heart and listening ear. When I requested access to support staff, our jail liked the idea, but laid out a few, wise requirements:

First, I’d no longer support incarcerated individuals, but exclusively support staff. Their reasoning was that correctional staff deserve their own support (rather than receiving ad-hoc, occasional service by chaplains whose priority was incarcerated individuals). They also believed that staff would be more likely to share confidential matters with someone who didn’t also meet with the detained and who might inadvertently share something personal with an incarcerated individuals. It was also thought that staff would be comfortable sharing their private concerns with me (a non-employee), more than they would with staff, such as peer support.

Criteria That Worked

Requirements of this privilege—of becoming a chaplain solely to staff—were that I’d be consistently present, maintain confidentiality, and—the factor which has made this initiative successful—walk the compound, initiating connect with staff. I would not sit in an office waiting to be called. The concept of a “roving, volunteer chaplain, solely for staff” was born. It was a test since there’d never been a roving chaplain before for employees. The approach proved viable and is currently in its seventh year.

Over time, this initiative grew with the addition of more volunteer chaplains. Each of us had spiritually supported incarcerated individuals for years at our jail. We were logical candidates to switch to supporting staff: we were familiar with the jail, had it scheduled into our lives, and were known and credentialed by the jail.

No Faith Barriers

A chaplain supports people of any or no faith, whereas religious volunteers to incarcerated individuals are usually of one faith and meet only with incarcerated individuals of that faith. In contrast, a chaplain cares and supports all staff of any faith or of no faith—so there’s no need to have chaplains of a variety of beliefs. This is perhaps best evidenced by the fact that among staff who’ve contacted me the most over the years are atheists.

A second difference from religious support to incarcerated individuals (where they come in for an hour or so and sit in a room with the them), is that a roving chaplain walks the compound, usually for hours at a stretch, going wherever staff serve: laundry, receiving, control, security, kitchen, interlocks, as well as tiers.

We greet each staff member, introduce ourselves, reassure them of confidentiality, offer a listening heart, and express appreciation

What AJA Jails Say

There’s a need to encourage jails to establish chaplains solely for their staff. The AJA recently surveyed members on this topic, and the vast majority reported relying upon those who religiously support inmates, to also aid employees. Few jails have chaplains dedicated solely to support staff.

On a positive note, 80% of survey respondents said a dedicated chaplain for staff would be of value, 0% thought it unnecessary, and 20% were “unsure.” My hope is that this article and the resources on the AJA website might prompt every jail to work towards having an on-site, roving chaplain solely for staff, particularly given that—when using a volunteer—there’s no budget impact, easing approval. At my jail, it took just weeks from my interview, until I began roving. If you have any questions, I’d be delighted to share time with you.

The Travelling Model by Reverend Carmen Warner-Robbins

Over my years as a chaplain at Vista Detention Center, Las Colinas Women’s Jail and Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, my ministry has evolved as led by the needs I encountered, through my visitation with women who were incarcerated. As a result, in 1996, the Welcome Home Ministry was founded to assist women seeking to reintegrate into society following their incarceration. Our mission was to enfold them in love, unconditional positive regard, and a community of their peers who had successfully walked the rocky road of re-entry before them. Thus, the design and development of the first peer-driven, faith-based re-entry program for women.

As similar services began to emerge in other facilities around the country, I began to see that detention staff, many of whom I had come to know personally through my years as a chaplain for the American Jail Association, were themselves struggling with the same dynamics that afflicted the incarcerated population. It became clear that this cry for support and love existed at facilities everywhere.

Thus, Travel Mercies, Inc.™ was formed in 2017 as a non-profit ministry organization in response to this call for visitations at facilities throughout the country. The mission of TM is to kindle a flame of hope, healing, and harmony for correctional personnel who may in many ways feel incarcerated themselves. By sharing my belief in them and in support of their calling, an element of trust developed.

Upon my arrival at the facility, I would begin each morning and evening by attending jail briefings to introduce myself and share my desire to provide one-on-one support with those staff members who would choose to meet with me. As I entered the briefing room, glancing over at the officers in attendance, I began to feel a spirit of love, joy, and encouragement. Before briefings began, I would go around the room greeting each individual, sharing how grateful I was to be in their presence. I discovered that by offering words of encouragement, a space for both spoken words and healing silence would become possible.

Coming as a visitor from outside the fabric of the daily environment provided me with a unique opportunity to bless and be blessed. I listen with unbiased ears and respond with gentle words and caring. Feedback is always important and some of the comments received were as follows:

“I truly felt Carmen was really listening to me and this made me feel more relaxed.”

“I became aware that my calling was real, and that God was with me in everything I did.”

“I was able to renew my commitment to my job and my role at this jail.”

“I began to believe in myself again, and realize I was where I needed to be.”

It has become a deep and moving privilege to be able serve as an itinerant minister to the staff members at correctional facilities throughout the country, and I am most grateful for this blessing and opportunity. If you have any questions about my travel ministries, I’d be happy to talk with you.