When can Chaplains break confidentiality?

[@bailenwatson4027]

What would happen if say you the chaplain have one of your service members come talk to you, but they talk about harming themselves and (or) other people?

[@RetiredTop43]

That was going to be my question, too.

[@chaplainlinzey]

Great question! Title 10 (Active Duty) chaplains are not mandatory reporters for anything. Honestly, though, by the time someone comes to talk to the chaplain they usually want help. 🙏

[@PsRohrbaugh]

I respect all religious leaders, but I wish Catholic Chaplins were more common.

[@chaplainlinzey]

@@PsRohrbaugh the Catholic Church has problems getting priests in the parish, so they have a tough time letting them go into the military

[@philipdru9290]

When you give them your best cornbread recipe.

[@chaplainlinzey]

@@philipdru9290 🤣🤣🤣

[@scottcrossfield3822]

What if someone is sexually abusing a child? What if someone says they are going to kill the president or their commander? The DOD got it wrong when they made all chaplains follow the confidentiality guidlines of catholic priests. That's one of the reasons I left the chaplain corp. As a pastoral counselor I started every session by saying it was confidential except for child abuse or the person hurting themselves or others.

[@antonios.1894]

Is it still kept confidential if there’s harm done to others or themselves?

[@chaplainlinzey]

@@antonios.1894 yes, chaplains have no requirement to report, regardless of the content

[@hehe8231]

God bless you brother in christ

[@chaplainlinzey]

@@hehe8231 thanks! 🙏