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Often ministry to jail staff may seem to be last in the chaplain's list of priorities. Yet the jail staff has just as many needs as the inmates and their families, sometimes even more. Staff members suffer from emotional problems, marital problems, and addiction problems just like the inmates. The jail environment is a highly stressful workplace and contributes to a high divorce rate and a high turn over rate for correctional officers. These people need ministry from the chaplains. Many have no home churches and their only contact with the clergy is with the Chaplains. Fortunately, over the years the jail staff has come to appreciate the chaplaincy at the Cook County Jail. As a result, more and more are turning to the chaplain or his volunteers in time of need. Thus, the following staff ministries are currently active in the jail.
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