http://nicic.gov/Topic/604-Volunteers-rssThe latest electronic resources added to the National Institute of Corrections online library for the topic of Volunteers.Agencies can use the resources found on this website to improve or jump start their own mentoring program for youth. The core of this material is the publication “Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring, Third Edition” This “includes six evidence-based standards addressing mentor and mentee recruitment; screening; training; matching; monitoring and support; and closure. Each standard offers benchmarks for day-to-day operations, and they are applicable in stand-alone mentoring programs, as well as programs where mentoring is one element. Each standard also offers enhancements that program staff can incorporate, based on the experience of outstanding mentoring practitioners. Further, this resource includes a section on practical advice in building a new mentoring program or strengthening an existing one. It focuses on program design and planning; program management; and program evaluation.” The website provides access to: the Elements publication and “A Checklist for Mentoring Programs”; “How to Build a Successful Mentoring Program Using the Elements of Effective Practice” (available in English and Spanish) and the tool kit containing over 160 ready-to-use tools regarding designing and planning a program, managing a program for success, structuring effective program operations, and establishing evaluation criteria and methods (available in English and Spanish).http://nicic.gov/Library/0269715/21/2013 12:21:51 PMThe purpose of this policy is to “[o]utline procedures for implementation of a program for citizen involvement and volunteers at all New Mexico correctional facilities and contract facilities; establish guidelines governing the recruitment, selection, orientation, training, and supervision of volunteers and Faith Representatives for faith and citizen programming within the NMCD. Participation shall be limited only by documentation showing a threat to the safety of staff, inmates, or other persons involved in such activity, or that the activity itself disrupts the security or good order in the facility. Programs/observances shall be accommodated, within available time and space, unless an overriding compelling governmental interest exists” (p. 1). Sample forms provided are Application for Volunteer, and Automobile Insurance Coverage. Attachments include: Code of Ethics; Guidelines for Volunteers; Statement of Understanding; Volunteer Program Sign-In Sheet; Volunteer Training Attendance and Accountability Sheet; Handbook for Volunteers; PPD (Probation and Parole Division) Volunteer Program Application for Admission; PPD Volunteer Program Biographical Data; PPD Pledge for Maintaining Confidentiality; PPD Waiver of Liability; and PPD Code of Ethics Acknowledgement.http://nicic.gov/Library/0270805/21/2013 12:21:10 PMThose interested in prison hospice care will find this article useful. Suggested practices for prison hospices include: having volunteers at the heart of the hospice; knowing who your patient is; non-compliance and pain medication; caring still matters; volunteers and training; managing the volunteer pool; volunteers should receive the respect they deserve; and taking pride in ones group.http://nicic.gov/Library/0244917/25/2010 11:34:39 AMThe essential steps in screening individuals wanting to be volunteers are described. The ten step process entails: risk management; using the organization's chart and position descriptions to identify and manage risk; recruitment process; application form; interviews; reference checks; police record checks (PRC); orientation and training; supervision and evaluation; and participant follow-up.http://nicic.gov/Library/0230435/6/2008 5:08:28 PMThe utilization of a Circle of Support and Accountability (COSA) by faith-based community members is explained. Sections of this guide are: introduction; COSA models; guidelines for the recruitment and training of volunteers; guidelines for forging a COSA; professional support for COSA; referrals, screening, and accepting core members; confidentiality; walking with core members; guidelines for the ongoing support of a COSA; supporting volunteers in a crisis (self-care); dissolving a COSA; working with victims and survivors; working with the media; group dynamics, boundaries, and volunteer self-care; reporting COSA activity; risk and liability issues for COSA; sample covenants; Needs and Resources Assessment Profile samples; screening questions for volunteers; COSA Quarterly Reporting Form; and glossary.http://nicic.gov/Library/02273312/18/2007 10:06:50 AMEffective strategies for working with volunteers are described. Five sections comprise this guide: why involve volunteers; getting best value from volunteers; planning volunteer involvement; creating a volunteer policy; and who can become a volunteer. Sample forms contained in the appendixes are: volunteer policy; volunteer induction checklist; volunteer expense claim; volunteer agreement; and voluntary work outline.http://nicic.gov/Library/02169510/31/2006 10:33:59 AMInformation regarding programs that provide books to prison inmates is presented. The Books Through Bars homepage provides access to links on: purpose; history; accomplishments; projects; materials and resources; structure; upcoming events; sending books to someone in prison; volunteer opportunities; internships; book donations; financial contributions; email list; and the Prison Book Program Directory. Printouts of the home pages for the following organizations also comprise this packet: the Prison Book Project; the Women's Prison Book Project; Books Through Bars NYC; and the Prison Book Program.http://nicic.gov/Library/01745110/31/2006 10:33:42 AMThe potential success of misdemeanor courts that utilize volunteer citizen probation programs is explored. Thirty-two chapters discuss issues such as: how to begin; expanding the one-to-one program; pre-sentence investigation; educational programs; alcohol anonymous; earning a dismissal; motivation; lessons from a juvenile institution, a juvenile court, a prison, a prosecutor, and an engineer; dissemination; discipline; victims; judges of the misdemeanor court; who is a volunteer; and the spirit of volunteerism. Also included is a copy of a volunteer manual.http://nicic.gov/Library/01629510/31/2006 10:33:39 AMhttp://nicic.gov/Library/00453410/31/2006 10:33:34 AMTo assess the state of corrections volunteerism in North America, a survey was disseminated among state corrections departments and various other agencies. Sections address volunteer utilization, personnel issues, labor issues, operations, liability issues, funding and statutory authority for volunteer programs, and degree of interest in NIC demonstration projects and training. Information is also presented from ten organizations that provide volunteers for correctional placements.http://nicic.gov/Library/00265910/31/2006 10:33:34 AM