Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024
Section 95-2-24 - Religious Services24.1. Access to Programs. Procedures shall provide for access to religious resources, services or counseling for all inmates on a voluntary basis. It is the responsibility of the correctional facility to ensure that all inmates are able to voluntarily exercise their constitutional right to religious freedom when this freedom does not interfere with the order and security of the correctional facility. Inmates shall be kept informed about opportunities to participate in religious programs on a continuing basis.24.2. Program Supervision. A qualified and trained chaplain shall coordinate and supervise the correctional facility's religious programs. The chaplain shall recognize the validity of all religious faiths and their contribution to the persons involved with them. Qualified chaplains shall have the ecclesiastical endorsement from a recognized religious organization according to administrative procedures. These chaplains may be able to provide clinical pastoral education at the correctional facility.24.3. Representation. Representatives of all faith groups shall be available to inmates. Either a full-time chaplain or representatives of faith groups from the community shall be available to provide regular religious services, individual and group counseling, family contacts, and other services.24.4. Access to Correctional Facility. Staff chaplains shall have access to all areas of the correctional facility.24.5. Religious Visits. Inmates shall be permitted to receive visits from accredited representatives of their respective faiths during normal visiting hours. Provision also shall be made for emergency visits.24.6. Facilities and Equipment. The correctional facility shall provide facilities and equipment for the conduct of religious programs for inmates.