By Information Center on 9 Feb 2022
This Knowledgebase focuses on the use of volunteers in criminal justice settings. Volunteers can and do provide a variety of services within state and local correctional systems. These include but are not limited to the following:
- Providing special instruction in a particular area such as tutoring and conducting classes.
- Assisting staff in daily office activities to free them for more direct work with inmates.
- Organizing or officiating games during recreation and sports related activities.
- Providing assistance to facility's library by collecting books.
- Serving as resource to advise inmates on various topics such as developing a budget or employment preparation.
- Assisting with religious related activities such as worship services or study of scriptures.
- Participating with an organized group already active at facility such as Yokefellow Prison Ministry, Alcoholics Anonymous or Prison Fellowship.
- Providing or coordinating special entertainment events such as singing groups and plays.
- Assisting in locating suitable residence and/or employment plans for an inmate before release.
- Providing transportation to employment or for family to visit facility.
- Serving as a role model by being a sponsor for an eligible inmate and escorting them to approved activities in the community.
- Serving as member of facility's Community Resource Council.
