Prison Ministry
Identifying Needs

“Identifying Needs,” Prison Ministry (2023)

“Identifying Needs,” Prison Ministry

Inmates sit around a variety of tables. Around them are other men and women instructing and helping them. Special Services of the Priesthood department has requested that PSD capture images of various Correctional facilities that will be used on websites and curriculum targeted to spiritually support LDS members in correctional confinement and their families.

Identifying Needs

The process by which leaders identify the needs of those who are affected by incarceration within an area or stake may vary. Members may be called to help with this process and to provide ongoing support. Leaders should be sensitive to the privacy and needs of those who are affected by incarceration. Limit the distribution of information about individual or family circumstances to those who need it. This includes meeting notes, personal notes, and electronic communications.

Consider the following:

  1. Who are the individuals or families that have been negatively affected by crime or incarceration?

  2. Are there immediate temporal needs to be addressed?

  3. Do they have regular contact with a ministering couple or ward leaders?

  4. Are there youth or children within these families that may need additional support?

  5. What mental or emotional challenges are they experiencing? Are medical professionals or other trusted resources helping?

  6. How many correctional facilities are within the stake boundaries?

  7. Which adults in custody within these facilities have previous affiliation or recent interest in the Church?

  8. How long will these individuals be incarcerated?

  9. What are their individual needs regarding spiritual growth, education, addiction recovery, and social or vocational skills?

  10. What access is currently available to visit, hold meetings or classes, or provide other support?