There is a critical need to address the approximately 2 million incarcerated men, women, and children that are housed in the American Justice system. In the New York State Department of Corrections, where I am a Chaplain, there are approximately 63,000 incarcerated persons that are in need of Pastoral Care. A high standard of Pastoral Care to the Incarcerated is crucial because of the sheer numbers and its impact on family and community life. For the Institutional Chaplain, a comprehensive, coordinated, and creative Pastoral Care approach is essential for those, once under their care, to successfully reintegrate back into family life and community. To further supplement these reintegration efforts, there a need for the Chaplain/Pastor to research and evaluate the existing resources available to the incarcerated and make informed recommendations to strengthen reintegration programming.
As a Chaplain/Pastor, the idea of a Sabbatical is inspiring because it will allow the time for a concentrated analysis of research, evaluation, and recommendations for greater Pastoral Care effectiveness. The exploration of this topic will take on a four fold approach that includes Pastoral Self Care and the development of a working document to a growing network of caregivers.