Corrections' Untapped Resources: The Community's Volunteers (From Juvenile Caseworker: Resource Guide, 1992, P 108-112, See NCJ-138674)

• NCJ Number: 138686
• Author(s): J S Smith
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 5 pages
• Sale Source: American Correctional Association; National Institute of Justice/
• Publication Type: Program Description (Model)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

Guidelines are outlined for developing a volunteer services program in correctional facilities.

Abstract

Most of the initial obstacles encountered with the use of volunteers in correctional facilities can be overcome. Volunteers can provide high-quality professional services to correctional facilities at minimal cost. For the most part, today's volunteers are educated or currently in school, young (in their early thirties), and stable (most had been working in their current volunteer capacity for 2 years or more). Several important steps must be taken to ensure that volunteers are prepared for the agency's mission or competent to perform the required work: initial planning, recruiting, screening, training, and volunteer/offender/supervisor matching. Staff who work with volunteers need to be collegial and supportive. Agencies should treat volunteers like paid employees, provide a detailed job description with specific duties and requirements, and encourage participation in agency sponsored or sanctioned training opportunities.