C.O.P.  AWARD

Chaplaincy  Offender  Program (C.O.P.)  Award  Criteria

The American Correctional Chaplains’ Association (ACCA) has established this award to give recognition to creative, effective, outcome-based chaplaincy programs. The award is presented annually at the summer Congress of Correction.

DEFINITION: A Chaplaincy Offender Program is defined as one in which a chaplain has duties that are important in the operation of an effective program that is making a positive difference in the lives of offenders in an institution or in community supervision.

ELIGIBILITY: Any chaplain program serving adult or juvenile offenders, victims, or community corrections clientele that demonstrates a positive difference in the lives of people in at least two of the following areas: 1) New knowledge, 2) Increased skills, 3) Changed attitudes or values, 4) Modified behavior, 5) Altered status, 6) decreased recidivism, or 7) Improved social relationships.

NOMINATIONS: Anyone can nominate a chaplaincy offender program, especially those who are members of ACA or ACCA. All nominations must be submitted by December 31 prior to the selection of the winner at the mid-winter ACA conference of the following year. However, nominations can be taken any time for future consideration.

EVALUATION: Any chaplaincy offender program nominated must meet the following criteria: 1) A clear purpose or mission, 2) Specific goals or outcomes, and 3) Operating at least three years.

PRESENTATION: The winning program will be notified no later than May of each year. The award is then presented at annual summer Congress of Correction.

Inquiries and nominations should be directed to:

Stephen Hall
Indiana Department of Corrections
302 W. Washington E334
Indianapolis, IN 46209
Tel: (317) 233-5236
email: sthall@idoc.in.gov 

If  you  wish  to  submit  a  nomination,  please  complete  the  following  form:

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C.O.P.  AWARD  NOMINATION

Nominated  Project  (Name  or  Title):

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Project  Address,  Contact  Person,  Phone  Number,  E-mail:

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Chaplains  &  Volunteers  Involved  in  the  Project:

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Purpose  or  Mission  Statement  of  the  Program:

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Specific Goals or Outcome Statements of the Program (using the seven eligibility criteria):

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Starting  Date  of  the  Program:

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Normal  Meeting  Time  and  Location  of  the  Current  Program:

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Description  of  the  Program (in  100  words  or  less):

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Supporting  documentation  and/or  testimonials  may  be  attached.

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