Chaplains Avert Juvenile Deliquency and Support Prison Rehabilitation
Second chances through transformation. National School for Chaplains Association meets the need. Enroll in chaplain school today.
The face of despair meets the face of hope; as one of NSCA Chaplains come to the prison with new perspectives.
Chaplain Hodge is one example of chaplaincy diversity. She brings a message of renewal, inner freedom and transformation to the women in the county jail. In addition, she provides in-home nursing care as well as spiritual care to patients who request it. Her impact did not stop after retiring from thirty four years as a school teacher.
Some of the inmates attended the high school where teacher Hodge previously worked.
Chaplaincy, at this season of their lives, gives them both a second chance to make a life changing difference. Discussing God’s love and forgiveness alleviates shame. A spiritual relationship with Jesus replaces loneliness. An old way of thinking is swapped for a new identity. Freedom behind bars prepares them for life after parole.
The keys for ethical, moral and productive living comes to life with the message of love and being recognized as a person of value. The ability to love ourselves, releases love for others. Once these truths are embraced, people can see others through a different lens. Learning to respect self and others, guides meaningful integration into society.
Time, itself, does not rehabilitate. Rules do not ensure obedience. Positive change is a matter of the heart. Sadly, not everyone comes to this realization, but for those who do, true change remains. Evidence proves it.
As more schools welcome chaplains; an early foundation is laid, which helps avert mistakes that cause lifelong consequences.
During the early stages of life, is the best time to start building wholesome habits. This develops and strengthens peace of mind, care for others, respect for learning, accountability, productivity and vision.
Unfortunately, too many people of all ages and various home situations, have lacked an environment where integrity and vision have been taught, demonstrated or put into practice. Life skills for independent living have sadly taken a back seat. However, there is good news! Chaplains foster interpersonal skills and the discovery of one’s full potential. This includes learning to establish a home and enter into their destiny.
A void is filled that cannot otherwise be satisfied, especially not through risky behaviors or lack of hope. Chaplains can help students find their footing and avoid serious consequences. Engaging with a chaplain is completely voluntary. This also teaches that choices matter.
Prison chaplaincy can help rebuild the broken past and avert the continuation of harmful patterns. Whether in prisons, schools or transitioning from dependent living into adult responsibilities, chaplains help with the transition to the outside world. The implementation of practical tools and spiritual support successfully guides the course!
Chaplains can’t do it alone, but certainly can make a big impact!
The multifactorial causes of destructive behaviors require multifaceted solutions. Of course, chaplains alone cannot solve all the problems, but they certainly are making a huge difference.
What have we learned since 1962? It comes to mind that prayer was removed from schools. First of all, prayer itself was not prohibited, but school-sponsored-prayer was removed. That is a very different situation than our individual and group rights to voluntarily express our religious beliefs. Now that a better understanding of religious freedoms have come into view, voluntary chaplain care is clearly appropriate. Not only is it appropriate, but needed as we consider today’s issues along with yesteryear’s warnings.
“Between 1960 and 1968 the number of juvenile court cases increased by 76.4% and the FBI reported that arrests of those under 18 doubled during that same timeframe.
In 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed the Juvenile Delinquency and Youth Offenses Control Act which provided federal resources to local communities for initiatives to reduce juvenile delinquency. Administration of these resources was assigned to the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, the agency that would eventually become today’s Department of Health and Human Services.”
NSCA Chaplains are endorsed to fill the void in various sectors with spiritual support that otherwise was previously missing.
School settings are one of the earliest opportunities for chaplains to make a preemptive affect on juvenile behaviors and change their destiny. The financial drain, related to juvenile delinquency, can be reduced through early intervention.
How wonderful for chaplains to help the youth flourish and late teens transition from foster care into secure adult life. The sick are comforted. The hungry find food. Hearts are healed. The imprisoned find freedom and rehabilitation for life.
This is true transformation for all of society.
Chaplains are needed as a ready-resource at places most needed. You can become a school chaplain at NSCA Academy or sponsor chaplain(s) through scholarships.
Jesus conveyed that if you help the least of these, you have helped me (see Matthew 25:35-40, ESV, Holy Bible). Matthew 25:36 "I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me."
References
Ames, Blair, September 6, 2024, The history of the 1974 Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, Safe Communities, https://ojp.gov/safe-communities/from-the-vault/1974-juvenile-justice-delinquency-prevention-act-history#:~:text=However%2C%20juvenile%20delinquency%20became%20a,Between
National School Chaplain Assoc. NSCA Website