Corrections_Today_Spring_2025_Vol.87_No.1

CORRECTIONAL CHAPLAIN PERSPECTIVES

in childhood. Studies show that those in prison, compared to the general population, have a history of abuse, domestic violence, aban donment, neglect, poverty, systemic discrimination, and early exposure to crime. 3 These traumatic and stressful experiences shape their behaviors, responses, and coping mechanisms which are often mis understood or misjudged. Many of the actions that land people in prison are connected to unresolved and untreated trauma that results in maladaptive responses like ag gression, addiction, or isolation. It is important to recognize that these behaviors are often expres sions of pain rather than deliberate rebellion. 4 Many of the actions that land people in prison are connected to unresolved and untreated trauma that results in maladaptive responses like aggression, addiction, or isolation. When we understand trauma through this lens, we can become part of the solution, offering compassion and care rather than unintentionally reinforcing the cycles of pain that keep inmates trapped. Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognizes the presence of trauma symptoms and

acknowledges the role that trauma can play in people’s lives. The goal is to prevent re-traumatization and promote healthy rehabilita tion. 5 Without a trauma-informed approach, therapeutic and min istry efforts may miss the mark, and sometimes, unknowingly, can lengthen the healing and rehabilita tion process. Effects of trauma can manifest in the following ways: – Hypervigilance or anxiety: Constant alertness to potential danger and restlessness. – Withdrawal or isolation: As a means of self-protection. – Substance abuse or aggres sion: Coping mechanisms for deeper pain management. Chaplains can benefit from recog nizing these behaviors as symptoms of trauma rather than signs of rebel lion or disrespect. Understanding the full spectrum of trauma allows chaplains to respond with empathy, patience, and grace, reflecting the love and compassion in a tangible way. Principles of trauma-informed care for chaplains Creating environments that are sensitive to the needs of trauma sur vivors and able to promote healing and recovery is the goal of trauma informed care. SAMSHA has six key guiding principles of a trauma informed approach in serving the incarcerated population 1 : 1. Safety : People are at their

Creating a safe space is foun dational in trauma-informed care. For trauma survivors, feeling secure—physically, emotionally, and spiritu ally—is vital. For incarcerated persons who have faced vio lence or neglect, the prison environment can feel like a continuation of their trauma. Chaplains can offer a sense of emotional and spiritual safety by being consistent, patient, and respectful, creating a ref uge where inmates can begin to heal. Chaplains can con tribute to this by maintaining a non-judgmental and calm demeanor, offering consisten cy in their care, and respecting boundaries. 2. Trustworthiness and Trans parency: Building trust is key to any pastoral relationship, but it’s especially important when working with trauma survivors. Trust is often shattered for trauma survi vors, especially in systems of authority, namely from the home. Chaplains can be intentional in building trust by being transparent, depend able, and empathetic. Healing begins when incarcerated individuals realize they can rely on someone to see them not just as prisoners, but as people. 3. Peer Support and Communi ty: Encouraging incarcerated persons to connect with each

best and most productively resilient when they feel emo tionally and physically safe.

other in positive, support ive ways is a critical part of

Spring 2025 | Corrections Today

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