FACT SHEET Chaplaincy Services 2018 GREGORY C. DOZIER COMMISSIONER TIMOTHY C. WARD CHIEF OF STAFF JAY SANDERS ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER Chaplaincy Services is a unit of the Inmate Services Division, which provides and facilitates pastoral care access for offenders and staff, as appropriate. Chaplaincy Services strives to promote and establish a community of peace, hope, safety and mutual respect and ensure offenders First Amendment religious rights. CHAPLAINCY Coordinate and provide worship services for a multi-religious and culturally diverse group Provide pastoral counseling to offender and staff Provide crisis intervention counseling Facilitate religious instruction among various faith groups Coordinate and facilitate behavioral change groups Provide consultation and training regarding religious needs of offender Staff recruits, trains and coordinates our vast number of community volunteers Assist offenders in their reentry effort by matching the offender with the community service providers Provide support to correctional staff and their family members VOLUNTEER SERVICES As of December 2017, we have successfully trained and retained over 9,200 volunteers. Our volunteers make up an integral part our chaplaincy services. They often assist as mentors, educators, counselors, tutors, musicians, librarians and ministerial leaders. The volunteers also address areas ranging from spiritual development, character building, values, parenting, worship, life skills, AA/NA, communications skills, anger management, financial planning and career development. Application Process To apply, please contact the chaplain at the facility where you wish to serve. You will be required to complete a volunteer application, consent to a criminal history background check through Georgia Crime Information System (GCIC) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and complete the mandatory Pre-Service Orientation (PSO)/Volunteer Certification Training. Once completed, you will coordinate your assignment with your facility chaplain. FACT SHEET Chaplaincy Services 2018 GREGORY C. DOZIER COMMISSIONER TIMOTHY C. WARD CHIEF OF STAFF JAY SANDERS ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER NEW ORLEANS BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY (NOBTS) Established in 1995 at the Louisiana State Penitentiary Angola Extension Center, the program provides offenders the opportunity to obtain a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Christian Ministry. Phillips Extension Center This center was established in 2006 as a part of the North Georgia Hub of NOBTS. The facility began its first class in March 2008. In December 2009, the students were awarded associate's degrees in Christian Ministry and in December 2010, 25 students graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Ministry. In total, 50 students have graduated the program since its inception. Graduates of the program have been assigned to 12 prisons throughout the GDC system to assist and participate in Chaplaincy, Faith and Character and Re-entry-Based opportunities within the offender population. Program Structure NOBTS is offered in four-year cycles to 30 offenders per class. The classes are taught and graded on a college level; therefore, failure to maintain a C average will result in academic probation and eventual expulsion from the program. There are four classes: Marriage & Family Counseling; Introduction to Preaching; Church History and Evangelism. The program also consists of eight core competencies: Biblical Exposition, Christian Heritage, Servant Leadership, Interpersonal Relationships, Spiritual & Character Formation, Disciple Making, Life Skills and Worship Leadership. Program Information To participate in the program, offenders must have a high school diploma or GED, a minimum of five years left to serve upon completion of the program, be disciplinary free for 12 months, have staff recommendation, and be willing to participate. Program Requirements All NOBTS coursework is provided through Leavell College. Students must complete 126 hours of academic study, attend eight semesters/two per year and attend classes or study for eight hours a day. Tutor Programs are also available for advanced students to assist offenders with academic support and assist instructors with grading.