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Volunteer Program The St. Louis County Department of Justice Services offers a wide variety of programs and services to the inmate population. Our volunteers are major contributors to the success of our inmate programs. Volunteers provide direct services to inmates and promote opportunities for inmates to engage in positive and satisfying activities. Volunteers also provide the skills and commitment necessary to the operation and implementation of inmate programs. Currently, there are over 300 talented and dedicated volunteers donating their time and expertise to help the inmate population. The following is a list of program areas where volunteers play a major role. Recruitment We recruit volunteers from all cultural and socioeconomic segments of the community. Community organizations, schools, churches and groups that provide programs and services in the community will also be contacted with recruiting volunteers to provide similar programs and services in the facility. Prospective Volunteers Prospective volunteers (potential volunteers who would like to experience institutional volunteering before applying) may request permission from the Volunteer Coordinator to accompany an active volunteer who is on duty in the facility. Prospective volunteers must undergo a background and criminal history check and must be approved by the Volunteer Coordinator. The prospective volunteer must be accompanied by the active volunteer at all times. If he or she chooses to pursue volunteer status, they must comply with the normal application process. Eligibility responsibilities of a volunteer. Volunteer applicants will not be denied access to the volunteer program based solely on sex, race, national origin, physical disability or political belief. Application and Selection Application Each prospective volunteer must appear in person at the Programs support office to receive a copy of Guidelines to Volunteers, which explains the volunteer application process as well as general information concerning facility volunteers. The prospective volunteer will then complete a Volunteer Application Form. All answers to the questions on the application form must be complete and truthful. Applicants must also submit a letter identifying themselves and the programs or service they wish to provide. Valid identification in the form of a driver's license or other acceptable photo identification must also be submitted to the Volunteer Coordinator. Willful omission, falsification or misrepresentation of information will be basis for disqualification. Criminal History and Background Check The Volunteer Coordinator will conduct a criminal history and background check on all volunteer applicants. Applicants may not begin volunteer work in the facility until results of the criminal history and background checks are received and reviewed. Volunteer applicants with pending criminal charges or a history of criminal convictions will be disqualified. Selection The Programs Manager will review the prospective volunteer's application, identifying letter and results of the criminal history and background check and approve or disapprove the application based on the individual's credentials and results of the record check. Applicants not selected will be informed by the Programs Manager in writing as to the reason for the denial. Interview Each volunteer will be interviewed by the Volunteer Coordinator or designee. Any questions or concerns of the new volunteer will be addressed at this time. Volunteer Identification After approval, the volunteer will then be issued a department identification badge which will be kept with the Lobby Clerk. The volunteer will then be scheduled for the training and orientation program. Volunteer Registration The Volunteer Coordinator will maintain a file and listing of all authorized volunteers. The listing will include: photograph, address, telephone number (home and work), emergency number, the programs the volunteer is involved in, the days and times the volunteer is allowed in the facility and the building area where the volunteer is allowed. Training and Orientation All volunteers must attend a training and orientation session prior to serving in the facility. Training and orientation will include the following:
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