Volunteering in Corrections “The Do’s & Don’ts” Staff Development Emergency Operations

Performance Objectives Participants will identify 6 “Do’s” of volunteering Participants will identify 6 “Don’ts” of

“Do”… Be present and on time for every commitment you make. Notify the Community Involvement Office in advance if unable to follow through on commitment. Live up to the responsibility of your volunteer role. Be honest and genuine at all times. Be firm and maintain a polite, courteous attitude.

“Do”… Be optimistic, but do not encourage unrealistic goals or critical attitudes. Respect confidential aspects of your assignment and the dignity/privacy of offenders/students. Respect cultural, ethnic, religious and personal differences of offenders and other volunteers. Be flexible, make allowances for offender’s and student’s abilities.

“Do”… Report to staff any unusual actions, behaviors, or violation of any regulations that you observe. Leave personal items locked in your vehicle, and bring your identification and keys. Stay with your group or staff escort while moving on grounds. Go directly to the area where you will be volunteering. Remember that being a volunteer is not the same as being a “friend” to an offender or student.

“Do”… Allow offenders/students to shake your hand as a greeting, as a congratulatory gesture, or to hold hand during prayer. Inform your Community Involvement Coordinator or Group Leader if you are arrested for, charged with, or convicted of any crime or misdemeanor except minor traffic violations. Be part of the Correctional Team, accept supervision and training. Your cooperation is vital. Show empathy toward offenders/students, not sympathy.

“Do”… Inform the Superintendent (in writing) if you have a friend or relative who becomes incarcerated within the Department of Correction. Feel you can consult with staff on any problems which may arise concerning your services. Familiarize yourself with the rules of your Volunteering Training and Reference Guide.

“Don’ts”… Don’t argue with staff or an offender/student about anything. If a problem should arise, consult with the Community Involvement Coordinator and your Group Leader. Don’t show partiality or favoritism toward one offender/student or group over another. Don’t become involved in religious proselytism. Don’t accept any personal gift or favor from an offender/student or an offender’s/student’s family members or friends.

“Don’ts”… Don’t promise to do any favors, make any telephone calls, or make any community contacts for any offender/student unless authorized by the facility. Don’t discuss topics regarding prison conditions, policies, prison reform, or any controversial subject matter pertaining to corrections with offenders. Don’t exhibit surprise at what you see or hear. Don’t discuss an offender’s/student’s commitment to the Department of Correction.

“Don’t”… Don’t purchase anything for offenders/students, send them money, or carry/deliver messages. Don’t become emotionally involved with an offender/student. Immediately inform the Community Involvement Coordinator if you suspect an offender/student has become emotionally attached to you. Don’t bring medication into the facility without proper authorization of the Community Involvement Coordinator and your Group Leader. Don’t give offenders/students legal advice unless you are an approved legal volunteer.

If you have any questions, please review the module again. You have completed the module on “The Do’s and Don’ts” of Volunteering. Congratulations! If you have any questions, please review the module again. Thanks for volunteering with the IDOC! Good luck! Staff Development Emergency Operations