Leading Community Chaplaincy

Models

An agency/ministry set up by a Board of Directors which offers a wide range of services and care to the released prisoner and the community.
A ministry set up directly through by CSC through a contract with a faith group for the services of a chaplain using the criteria and process in place for institutional chaplains. Comment: From a CSC perspective this model is the easiest to lead because it follows established procedures, and it also provides a resource to assist in the development of other models (I or III) in the region.
These chaplains and the contractors they represent would be eligible to make submissions in response to national request for proposals (contracting opportunities) within CSC chaplaincy.

Interrelatedness/partnering

the faith community
the wider community
the criminal justice system (especially parole services)
the offenders and "the community inside"

Community Chaplains

Characteristics

recognition by the faith community and others as having unique gifts for community ministry;
significant experience;
an ability to integrate a ministry perspective with life; and
a commitment and openness to ongoing training and learning.
an ability to work with others.

That said, community chaplains vary widely in their experiential and educational backgrounds. Some have undergraduate and graduate degrees with additional forms of training such as CAPPE, while others do not possess a high school diploma. A number are ex-offenders, and folk with this experience, have always been encouraged toward the ministry of community chaplaincy.

Job Description

A job description for the community chaplain is important. There should be ample flexibility that can reflect the uniqueness of each community chaplaincy. The attached drafts are recommended. See Sections Full Time CSC Community Chaplain (Type II) and Full Time Agency Community Chaplain (Type III).

Development

We recommend that all community chaplains participate in continuing education events that are appropriate for their mental, emotional and/or spiritual development.

Several established educational programs touch directly on correctional ministry. Others may also be available at other sites.

the Restorative Justice Program at Queen's
the Community Chaplaincy Program at St. Stephen's
the distance education program in prison ministry and the Diploma in Prison Ministry at Acadia

Community chaplains should also have access to in-service education offered by CSC, especially that offered for chaplains, but also appropriate other programs.

Phase 2 Orientation with a separate track for part of the week
National and regional chaplaincy conferences.

Training events for groups of community chaplains should reflect the diversity of needs. "Open Space Technology" is a useful approach. Educational events may also be appropriate for board members.

Meetings of community chaplains should be integrated into a regional chaplaincy plan:

a yearly gathering of community chaplains;
a yearly gathering of community and institutional chaplains; and
learning opportunities for significant board members.

Accountability

Accountability is really a way of telling the story and celebrating the ministry. "Feedback is the breakfast of champions." There are many ways to build in accountability in community chaplaincy. Boards will want regular reports. Financial accounting will have to be in accordance with acceptable standards. Ministry should be accountable to a faith community.

We recommend the following basics. Other ideas may be found in the Code of Professional Conduct for CSC chaplains.

regular program review
performance appraisal.
keeping of a log
monthly invoices should include a brief overview of the ministry
an Annual Report should be submitted to funding sources which would include:
- Name and address of the community chaplaincy and the chaplain
- Finances – total budget? Sources of funding?
- Board – who is the chair? Number of members? Who do they represent?
- Ministry – what's happening (programming)? What relationships are being developed?
- Highlights and challenges – past, present, future
- Volunteers and training – numbers, types of volunteer activity, training?
- Positioning for growth – during past year, future plans
- Some media clips and photos

Evaluating Funding Proposals

Fulfilling the marks of a community chaplaincy (see above)
A clear mission statement with specific objectives, and their compatibility with CSC objectives
Demonstrated ability to deliver
Clear accountability structures (e.g. community board) – financial and other
Commitment to become a legal entity
The support of other funding partners
Commitment to broaden the base of both ministry and board
Openness to work with CSC Chaplaincy

The amount of funding should evaluated against variables such as:

Reintegration potential
Crime prevention potential
Work with families
Community safety issues
Number of released offenders in the area (federal and other)
Natural linkages for community chaplaincy ministry
Offender support potential
Access and availability of volunteers
Faith community support
The support of other funding partners
Public awareness potential
Halfway houses in area
Potential for work with victims

FULL TIME CSC COMMUNITY CHAPLAIN (Type II)

SUGGESTED JOB DESCRIPTION

Community Chaplaincy is a concern of both the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) and the faith communities of Canada as represented by the Interfaith Committee on Chaplaincy (IFC). This ministry will be conducted in such a way as to correspond to the appropriate portions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Community chaplains will be guided in their actions by the Code of Professional Conduct appended to the MOU.

1. ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY

Maintaining a visible presence with a broad spectrum of the faith community, local chaplaincies, public sector officials (CSC offices, halfway houses, social services), public sector agencies, local businesses, etc.
Nurturing the development of community chaplaincies and faith community initiatives in restorative justice.
Undertaking public education regarding the needs of people affected by crime.

2. ENABLING VOLUNTEERS

Develop and equip a team of volunteers to work in a variety of ways with those affected by crime. This will include recruitment, training, supervision, support and recognition.

3. PASTORAL MINISTRY

Ensure pastoral care and spiritual growth opportunities for ex-offenders and their families via individual contact, weekly group and other forms of regular programming specific to their needs.
Facilitate worship and celebration opportunities for ex-offenders, families and volunteers.
Advocate on behalf of ex-offenders and their families.
Explore creative opportunities for restorative justice ministry with victims and the community.
Connect regularly with releasing institutions of the area and their chaplains.
Work with CSC staff in the process of offender reintegration into the community.

4. ACCOUNTABILITY

Work with an Advisory Board drawn from the faith community, CSC, volunteers, ex-offenders and partnering bodies
Foster accountable relationships by participating in meetings with persons/groups responsible for his/her work (contractor, CSC District Office, Regional Chaplain, advisory board, IFC, ...) to discuss, receive feedback and set directions for the ministry.
Keep a daily log of activities and report as part of CSC chaplaincy team.
Reporting: as part of the CSC chaplaincy team, follow accountability lines in place for other CSC chaplains.

FULL TIME AGENCY COMMUNITY CHAPLAIN (Type III)

SUGGESTED JOB DESCRIPTION

1. ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY

Maintaining a visible presence with a broad spectrum of the faith community, local chaplaincies, public sector officials (CSC offices, halfway houses, social services),k public sector agencies, local businesses, etc.
Nurturing the development of community chaplaincies and faith community initiatives in restorative justice.
Undertaking public education regarding the needs of people affected by crime.

2. ENABLING VOLUNTEERS

Develop and equip a team of volunteers to work in a variety of ways with those affected by crime. This will include recruitment, training, supervision, support and recognition.

3. PASTORAL MINISTRY

Ensure pastoral care and spiritual growth opportunities for ex-offenders and their families via individual contact, weekly group and other forms of regular programming specific to their needs.
Facilitate worship and celebration opportunities for ex-offenders, families and volunteers.
Advocate on behalf of ex-offenders and their families.
Explore creative opportunities for restorative justice ministry with victims and the community.
Connect regularly with releasing institutions of the area and their chaplains.
Work with CSC staff in the process of offender reintegration into the community.

4. ACCOUNTABILITY

Work with a Board of Administration (possible sources of membership include the faith community, CSC, volunteers, ex-offenders and partnering bodies)
Foster accountable relationships by participating in meetings with persons/groups responsible for his/her work (contractor, CSC District Office, Regional Chaplain, advisory board, IFC, ...) to discuss, receive feedback and set directions for the ministry.
Keep a daily log of activities and report as part of CSC chaplaincy team.
Provide monthly reports with invoicing and a yearly summary and evaluation of the chaplaincy and the chaplain.