Author: Cindi Robinson

Prison & Jail Ministry Related Issues
For assistance with related issues to mental health & substance abuse call 1-800-522-9054.
Listed below are drug treatment facilities:
ADA
Ada Area Chemical Dependency Center, Inc.
704 N. Oak, #20
Ada, OK 74820 580-332-3001
LAWTON
Jim Talliaferro CMFC
602 SW 38th Street
Lawton OK 73505 580-248-5780
Roadback, Inc.
1506 SW “D” Ave.
Lawton OK 73502 580-250-1123
NORMAN
NAIC-Center for Alcohol & Drug Services, Inc.
215 W. Linn
Norman OK 73070 405-321-0022
OKLAHOMA CITY METRO
Addiction Solutions, Inc.
5245 S. I-35
Oklahoma City OK 73129 405-605-2488
Alcohol Training & Education, Inc.
2800 NW 36th, Suite 101
Oklahoma City OK 73112 405-943-7483
Referral Center for Alcohol & Drug Services of Okla.
1215 NW 25th
Oklahoma City OK 73106 405-525-2525
TULSA
Ace DUI School
4528 S. Sheridan, Suite 222
Tulsa OK 74145 918-951-3413
12 & 12, Inc.
6333 E. Skelly Drive
Tulsa OK 74136 918-664-4224
Substance Abuse Services
3202-4 S. Memorial
Tulsa OK 74145 918-621-1600

Recruiting Chaplains
Chaplains should possess both ministry skills and a willingness to serve. The success of chaplaincy ministries will be in direct proportion to the commitment of the chaplains.
Chaplains should have, as a minimum, these qualifications:
A degree from an accredited college or university
An advanced degree in counseling and/or
theology
An endorsement by their denomination
Five years of ministry experience or the equivalent
Training Chaplains
Although chaplains use basic pastoral skills in performing their duties, they must undergo training to function comfortably in the unique settings of different agencies. Agencies will assist chaplains in developing and implementing effective programs.
Content of the training should include:
Structure and organization of the agency
The chaplain’s role in crisis situations
The counseling of personnel involved in crisis incidents

Eddie K. Coast
Criminal Justice Coordinator
Chaplaincy Ministries of the BGCO

Phone: 405-990-3430 Fax: 580-353-9226 E-mail: Eddiecoast@hotmail.com

Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma
3800 N. May Avenue
Oklahoma City OK 73112
405-942-3800 Ext. 4304 or 4326
www.bgco.org / chaplaincy

This brochure is made possible through the Cooperative Program and is sponsored by the Chaplaincy Office of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma

CRIMINAL
JUSTICE
MINISTRY

Prison and Jail Ministry

County jails are where public offenders are first confined and where they feel the impact of their situation. They have been defeated. They feel helpless and hopeless. A chaplain can perform a valid and effective ministry to these offenders if the volunteers are carefully selected and if officials cooperate and support their efforts.
To determine if there is a need in the jail, contact the Captain or Jail Administrator. If you want to volunteer in a prison, the chaplain should be contacted at the prison and if there is not a chaplain, the volunteer coordinator should be contacted.
Volunteers should have a deep concern for individuals. Inmates detect insincerity quickly; thus the motive of volunteers should be genuine.

Guidelines for volunteers
All persons entering the jail are
subject to search.
Volunteers are to dress in appropriate attire. No shorts or provocative clothing are permitted. Shoes must be worn.
Nothing is to be taken into the jail, and left with an inmate.
Never carry any letters or messages into or out of the jail.
Follow all directions or instructions given by the officer on duty. Never interfere with their performance of duty.
Volunteers will maintain confidentiality of information concerning inmates except in the following circumstances:
√ When it would endanger the staff or operation of the facility.
√ When it would endanger other inmates or the inmate himself.
√ When it would endanger the physical plant.

The activities listed below are strictly prohibited.
Trading personal possessions or exchanging anything of value with an inmate.
Selling any product or personal possession to an inmate.
Making a gift or promise of a gift or accepting a gift either directly or indirectly from an inmate.
Engaging in sexual contact of any type with an inmate.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do be yourself.
Do mean what you say. Never make a promise which you do not or cannot keep.
Do be supportive, encouraging and friendly, but firm.
Do be patient. The positive effects of your relationship with the inmate may not have a decisive effect until long after you have stopped working with him/her.
Do not be manipulated. If an inmate asks you to do something which you consider “borderline” tell him/her you will check to see if it is okay. Then ask the appropriate official.
Don’t expect thanks.