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Frequently Asked Questions - Religious Q. May I send
a send a bible or other book to an offender?
A. Books (religious or otherwise) must be send in accordance
with
Offender Mail/Property, Department Order 909,
Sections 909.01-13, which includes receipt directly from the publisher or an
authorized distributor. Individuals and organizations that are not publishers or
authorized distributors may not send books to offenders.
Q. If I can't send a bible, and cannot afford to purchase one
new, how will my incarcerated family member get a Bible or other sacred writing?
A. Many organizations donate Bibles to the ADC, which are
available for loan to any offender. In addition, sacred writing and religious
literature for other religions is available in limited quantities as donations
are received.
Q. How do I become a religious volunteer?
A. Contact the Senior Chaplain of the prison at which you
wish to volunteer. That person will be able to inform you on current needs and
availability, as well as outline the process.
Q. Can an offender request a visit by a specific religious
leader?
A. The ADC encourages religious visitation between offenders
and their religious leaders. An offender should provide their chaplain the name
of the religious leader they wish to have visit along with information on how to
make contact. Religious leaders wishing to visit an offender should contact the
chaplain of the facility where the offender is housed for information and
scheduling (see
Department Order 904 for more
information).
Q. How do I contact the offender if there is a family
emergency, such as a serious illness, injury, or death?
A. If a family emergency requires notifying an offender,
contact the chaplain during normal business hours, or the shift supervisor after
hours. Be prepared to provide specific information that will assist with
verifying the emergency prior to notifying the offender (e.g. name,
relationship, law enforcement agency or hospital). Offenders are generally
provided an opportunity to call their family after verification of the
emergency.
Q. Will I be allowed to volunteer for prison ministry if I
have an incarcerated family member?
A. Yes. Volunteer applicants are not excluded if they have
incarcerated family members, but would not be assigned to provide services in
the unit where their family member is housed.
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