Training by the TDCJ

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (“TDCJ”) places a significant focus on volunteer services realizing volunteers are an essential element in the rehabilitation and re-entry of offenders into the community. Volunteers assist in providing literacy and educational assistance, life skills, job skills, and parenting classes. Volunteers facilitate medical education and prevention training as well as arts and crafts programs, drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, faith-based programming, and other programs determined by TDCJ to aid in the transition between confinement and society.

The men volunteering through the Kolbe Prison Ministries are special volunteers in the faith-based programming area under the auspices of the unit Chaplain. Volunteers involved in the Kolbe retreats are given a window of opportunity to serve up to four (4) days at a prison before TDCJ volunteer training is absolutely required. For purposes of the training requirement, one (1) 3-day Kolbe retreat is considered one (1) day of volunteering. Hence, an outside Kolbe team member may participate in up to four (4) Kolbe retreats before training is mandated. However, KPM team selection is often predicated upon the choosing of team members that willingly agree to receive TDCJ training either before or shortly after their latest KPM retreat. Aside from being on team for up to their first four Kolbe retreats, volunteers may NOT enter any prison unit or jail facility for any other KPM activity (retreat reunions, Bible studies, Communion services, RCIA classes, etc.) without first receiving training from the TDCJ staff. Visit the link to find out more information on the TDCJ Volunteer Program.

For more information on training by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, visit the Training webpage on the main KPM website.