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: