Chaplaincy

Religious based classes are held by a wide variety of religious faiths within the jails.  These are requested by the inmate through the current electronic system or paper form. All attending inmates will be processed through an approval system to ensure safety and security. A full listing of classes may be provided to the inmate for their knowledge.

Every attempt will be made to aid an inmate’s request that their regular religious leader visit them while in jail. These are “non-contact” visits with the inmate and religious leader are separate by some form of barrier which prohibits actual physical contact through regular Visitation booths or via live video chat. Clergy must contact the Chaplaincy office to register for Approved Clergy visits which may be made on designated days or on the regular scheduled inmate visitation days and time frames designated by the Detention Bureau.

Individual religious consulting visits are available by inmate request to the Chaplaincy office through the current electronic system, paper form or by notifying a Detention Bureau staff member they would like a visit. Due to the scale of our facilities, we do not accept visit requests from the public but will inform the inquirer of the proper procedure.

Notification of the death of an inmate’s immediate family member (parent, sibling, child (natural, step or legally adopted) and spouse) should be made to the inmate in person by a family member or family friend through regular Visitation methods if possible. This is always more comforting to the inmate. If there are extenuating circumstances, notification can be made through the Chaplaincy office. Information provided will be verified and notification will be made by a staff chaplain. Due to federal HIPAA regulations; notification of injury, illness or hospitalization cannot be made by this office. In the event the inmate is the legal next of kin and emergent life decision measures must be made, all information will be received, verified and decision made on an individual case basis. Messages to contact family members or friends for any reason cannot be forwarded to an inmate.

Individuals wishing to inquire about the volunteer process for Chaplaincy based programs are encouraged to contact the office at 817-884-3088. Specific information will be provided based upon the type of program. All must submit a valid Texas Driver License and Social Security card and provide specific information for a background check. No one will be considered who is currently on any type of probation or has not been fully released from all judgements by the court. All materials used within the program are subject to review for appropriateness within the jail setting.