NCJ Number
209132
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 40 Issue: 1/2 Dated: 2004 Pages: 173-183
Date Published
2004
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study explored prison volunteer characteristics, degree of satisfaction, and areas of concern for volunteers.
Abstract
Rising prison populations and shrinking budgets are contributing to the correctional system reliance on volunteer resources for various types of support, including the delivery of support services to inmates. Despite the current prevalence of prison volunteers, little research attention has been paid to these volunteers or the types of services they provide. As such, the current study surveyed 72 volunteers working at 1 medium-security prison during March 2003; survey questionnaires focused on demographic information, satisfaction with volunteer work, and areas of concern or needed improvements. Results indicated that most volunteers were White, middle-aged, or older men with high levels of education. Most volunteers were motivated by religious conviction and the desire to help others; most chose to volunteer in religious programming. Volunteers reported high levels of satisfaction and offered praise for the institution staff and inmates. Suggestions include the need to educate prison staff about the role of volunteers and their importance to the criminal justice system. Future research should focus on evaluating and describing volunteer programs in prisons. Tables, references