Religious Services

The Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections (ADJC) provides pastoral activity programs which offer youth the opportunity to nurture spiritual growth and development. The program consists of a chaplain and many volunteers who provide and coordinate religious services for the different religions routinely represented in the youth population. While religious services are coordinated by the chaplain, services are presented by both chaplain and our religious volunteers. In addition, other community groups and individuals assist with special services and seminars scheduled periodically at Adobe Mountain School. Providing youth with the opportunity to examine their behavior in the light of the teachings of their religious traditions assists in holding them accountable for their actions and presents them with hope for a change to more appropriate behavior and positive personal outcomes.

Religious services ensure that youth are provided access to religious activities, religious materials, religious diets, and other legitimate requirements of their faith. Regularly scheduled worship/study opportunities are provided for the religions represented in our population based upon requests, and available time and space for services. Participation in religious programs is strictly voluntary. No youth shall be coerced to participate in religious programs, nor shall any effort be made to coerce any youth to adopt or change religious affiliation or beliefs.

Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute (ARS) § 41-2804.01, ADJC has established a Religious Services Advisory Committee comprised of representatives of the religious community. The committee meets quarterly to evaluate religious programming, to ensure and protect the religious rights of all committed youth and to make appropriate recommendations to the Director.

For more information regarding our program, please contact our Institutional Chaplain.