NCJ Number
94201
Journal
Correctional OPTIONS Volume: 3 Dated: (Fall 1983) Pages: 15-19
Date Published
1983
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Volunteer programs operate in most Ontario, Canada, correctional institutions.
Abstract
Volunteers come from a broad spectrum of occupations and backgrounds. They include professionals, the highly skilled and unskilled, the employed and unemployed, students, and retired persons. Motivation stems from a need to learn or improve skills or to help others, rather than the religious emphasis of previous times. Programs include chaplaincy services, Alcoholics Anonymous, social services, occupational and educational training, life skills, and recreational activities. Programs often face staff resistance, lack of space, security problems, and shortage of funds. Program benefits include the opportunity for inmates to learn valuable skills and responsibility, institutional cost savings, reduction of tension, and community acceptance.