Jail Chaplaincy

"I was in prison and you visited me"

When you are incarcerated, there are few options and many moments of indecision and confusion. Transforming Jail Ministries provides chaplains to counter those moments. Our trained chaplains spend time in conversation, prayer, and reflection with the incarcerated men and women of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Their fundamental role is to be available; their fundamental task is to respond to the incarcerated men and women who have requested to see a chaplain.

Currently, there are more than thirty TJM chaplains between Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, each assigned to a corrections facility in our two county service region. Each chaplain is available to those incarcerated, regardless of denomination, church affiliations or belief history. Our chaplains are trained to be present and meet people wherever they are in their personal journey, spiritual or otherwise.  

 What our chaplains do:

• Listen

• Pray with and for those in jail, as well as their families

• Respond to requests to meet with the incarcerated men and women

• Alert administration of any individual safety or perceived psychological concerns

What our chaplains do Not do:

• Administer legal advice

• Enter into any financial relationships with those in jail

• Commiserate about crimes, discuss cases or blame the system

• Make phone calls to attorneys or families on behalf of the incarcerated population

• Discuss the content of any conversation with other chaplains, families or jail staff (unless a security concern exists)

To become a candidate for a TJM chaplain, interested individuals must complete an application form and complete training specific to the facility where they will serve. Eligible candidates are at least 21 years of age and must be able to pass a criminal background check. Because of limited assignments, chaplains will be assessed on an individual basis and must be a member in good standing (or its equivalent) in a faith community that endorses their candidacy.

To see a list of the current Transforming Jail Ministries chaplains, click here.

To view the Personal Conduct and Guidelines, click here.

How to become a chaplain

1. Submit a volunteer application. This is simply an immediate data gathering measure required for all volunteers.

2. Background Checks: Kenton County and Hamilton County have different forms. You only need to complete the form for the county you plan to serve in.

   • Hamilton County: Complete and submit a Request for Security Clearance (this is a background check executed by the Hamilton Co. Sheriff's Department). All chaplains must be able to pass this background check in order to serve. Note: Background checks must be resubmitted every two years. Please resubmit your background check two-to-three months before expiration.

   • Kenton County: Complete and return a Volunteer Application along with a copy of your state issued ID to: Transforming Jail Ministries, 525 W. 5th Street, Covington, KY 41011

3. Waiver, Release and Indemnification Agreement (please submit only the waiver for the county you will serve in).

   • Hamilton County: Complete TJM/HCSO Waiver, Release, and Indemnification Agreement.

   • Kenton County: TJM/KCDC Waiver, Release, and Indemnification Agreement.

4. Candidates must successfully complete training and onboarding processes in their entirety.

   • Note: Completion of steps 1-4 is good for up to two years. After two years, if you have not been offered a position as a chaplain, you will need to retake the course to be eligible for future consideration. This is due to the fluid nature of rules and regulations within correctional facilities.

5. All successful trainees are considered for TJM chaplaincy openings. Once the application and training are complete, potential chaplains are invited to an interview conducted by TJM's CEO, a Board member, a current/former AJC team member and someone who has worked in the criminal justice system.

   • Note: Applicants who complete the course are not guaranteed a position as a chaplain. These positions are limited based on capacity and need.

6. Following the interview, a decision is made whether or not to invite the candidate to become a TJM chaplain. This decision is dynamic and based on the following:

   • Current needs of the ministry;

   • Faithfulness and effectiveness of candidate; and

   • Ministry balance of race, gender, theological slant and/or style.

7. All chaplains are expected to maintain current knowledge of our Adult Jail Chaplaincy Personal Conduct and Guidelines policies. Beginning in 2019, all chaplains will be required to sign this document every two years along with their background checks.

Chaplain credentials for Hamilton Co. are not reciprocal in Kenton Co. (or other facilities). Likewise, if you serve as a chaplain in Kenton Co. your credentials are not valid for Hamilton Co. (or other facilities). Each county will have its own set of policies, standards, and expectations along with their own processes for approval.

If you have further questions, check out our FAQ page or contact Shawn.