DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed to provide experience in working in a correctional institutional setting. Students will have the opportunity: 1) to observe an experienced chaplain in a correctional institutional setting; 2) to develop their own skills in ministry to inmates/wards and correctional staff; 3) to evaluate values and attitudes toward incarcerated persons; and 4) to sharpen the ability to reflect theologically in this setting.

This course offers training in the tasks and skills of professional ministry as a chaplain in a correctional institution.

The student will spend a minimum of four (4) hours one day per week or two (2) hours per day twice a week for 10 weeks (total of 40 hours) in the institutional setting. During this time he/she will work under the supervision of an experienced and certified correctional chaplain. He/she will receive training in institutional regulations and security, be taught proper procedures in handling counseling interviews with inmates/wards, and personally conduct counseling interviews with inmates/wards. As the situation allows, he/she will have the opportunity to conduct Bible studies and sharing and prayer groups for inmates and participate in worship services. Some seminarians may receive assignments to work in the institutional hospital and psychiatric units if an opening exists. The learning experience would be similar, except there would be more emphasis on working with inmates/wards with medical and mental health problems.

Each supervisor will provide the student with a reading list. A one to two page reflective synopsis will be completed for three (3) books from this list.

Punctual work schedule habits, completion of all chaplain interview assignments, participation in at least two chapel services (within a 2-month period), strict adherence to institutional security regulations, completion of at least two (2) written verbatims, attendance at a minimum of one staff chaplains' meeting (or equivalent), three (3) book reviews, and one personal evaluation report to be submitted at the end of the quarter to the Office of Field Education.

Pre-enrollment with the Field Education Department is necessary. All institutional assignments are made prior to registration. All students will complete an orientation with the assigned chaplain at the beginning of the internship.

Elective. Meets non-core Field Education graduation requirements. This practicum is offered for credit/no credit and 2 units.

None.