Joy
06-07-2002, 08:59 PM
I wrote this wonderful place that has SUCH wonderful answers about what is provided for the families of those that are executed. I just thought I might share with you their answer. You make your own opinion.
This correspondence is in reference to your e-mail to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) regarding help from the Agency for families of an offender being put to death.
The following steps are followed by TDCJ Chaplaincy to ensure ministry to the family members of the offender scheduled to be executed.
There is a Witness Support Liaison (Chaplain) available to offender families. The Chaplaincy Department provides a list of TDCJ Chaplains who shall serve as Witness Support Liaison(WSL) to the offender's witnesses and family members. These chaplains are selected and assigned for duty on scheduled execution days by the Director of Chaplaincy.
The purpose of the WSL is to facilitate the execution process for the offender witnesses by coordinating information, activity,and compassionate care. The WSL provides the following information to the witnesses: TDCJ expectations and requirements for witnessing an execution; appropriate locations for gathering before, during, and after the execution; informal answers to questions about the agency, the process and the offenders; answers to special requests which require contacting unit or agency administrators during the eight (8) hours prior to an execution.
The WSL also serves as a support person for the witnesses and other friends or family members of the condemned offender during the day of a scheduled execution. Upon departure of offender witnesses and family, the WSL Chaplain encourages them to seek additional support through a church or minister if needed.
I hope the above information is helpful to you.
Sincerely,
Dona Brown
TDCJ Ombudsman
This correspondence is in reference to your e-mail to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) regarding help from the Agency for families of an offender being put to death.
The following steps are followed by TDCJ Chaplaincy to ensure ministry to the family members of the offender scheduled to be executed.
There is a Witness Support Liaison (Chaplain) available to offender families. The Chaplaincy Department provides a list of TDCJ Chaplains who shall serve as Witness Support Liaison(WSL) to the offender's witnesses and family members. These chaplains are selected and assigned for duty on scheduled execution days by the Director of Chaplaincy.
The purpose of the WSL is to facilitate the execution process for the offender witnesses by coordinating information, activity,and compassionate care. The WSL provides the following information to the witnesses: TDCJ expectations and requirements for witnessing an execution; appropriate locations for gathering before, during, and after the execution; informal answers to questions about the agency, the process and the offenders; answers to special requests which require contacting unit or agency administrators during the eight (8) hours prior to an execution.
The WSL also serves as a support person for the witnesses and other friends or family members of the condemned offender during the day of a scheduled execution. Upon departure of offender witnesses and family, the WSL Chaplain encourages them to seek additional support through a church or minister if needed.
I hope the above information is helpful to you.
Sincerely,
Dona Brown
TDCJ Ombudsman