What are the regulations and options for prison ministry in your county and state?
From a state level, the prison ministry regulations I’ve found are as follows:
PA Chapter 95 Law in regards to County Correction Institutions § 95.237. Religion says that the follow are minimum requirements applicable to religion in correctional facilities (CHAPTER 95. COUNTY CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS § 95.237. Religion.):
(1) Written local policy must provide that each prisoner shall be allowed to satisfy the needs of his religious life consistent with the orderly administration of the prison.
(2) Written local policy must require that individuals seeking to provide religious guidance to inmates be screened and selected by the prison administrator or a designee.
(3) Written local policy must provide for the accommodation of religious practices consistent with the security needs and orderly administration of the prison. The policy must describe the procedure for reviewing an inmate request for accommodation of a religious practice or activity.
(4) Written local policy must provide that inmates are permitted to possess religious objects consistent with the security needs and orderly administration of the prison. The policy must describe the procedure for reviewing an inmate request to possess religious objects that would otherwise be considered contraband.
(5) Written local policy must provide for the accommodation of special foods, diets and fasts as part of an inmate’s religious practices consistent with the security needs and orderly administration of the prison. The policy must describe the procedure for reviewing an inmate request for accommodation of these practices.
In addition § 95.233. Visiting. states:
(5) Written local policy must allow for visits by an inmate’s attorney or clergy. Written local policy must require that accommodations be made to provide for the privacy of conversation during these visits.
There are no current county laws that I’ve found for prison ministry.
