NCJ Number
58966
Date Published
1978
Length
50 pages
Annotation
THE HANDBOOK USED BY STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS PRIOR TO AND DURING AFFILIATION WITH AGENCY VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS IS PRESENTED; JOB DESCRIPTION AND REQUIREMENTS, AGENCY HISTORY, AND TERMINOLOGY ARE EMPHASIZED..
Abstract
VOLUNTEERS HAVE COME TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE PROBATION OPERATION OF CONNECTICUT. THE AGENCY PRESENTLY BENEFITS FROM THE WORK OF OVER 500 VOLUNTEERS AND INTERNS IN 21 FIELD OFFICES. IN FISCAL 1978, VOLUNTEERS CONTRIBUTED 52,000 HOURS TO THE AGENCY WHICH REPRESENTS A SERVICE VALUE IN EXCESS OF $425,000. VOLUNTEERS ARE UTILIZED IN FOUR PROGRAM CATEGORIES INCLUDING VOLUNTEERS IN PROBATION, VOLUNTEERS IN COURT, VOLUNTEERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, AND THE PROBATION INTERN PROGRAM. VOLUNTEERS IN PROBATION ASSIST THE CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ADULT PROBATION IN THE SUPERVISION OF PROBATIONERS. THE VOLUNTEERS MUST MEET WEEKLY WITH THE PROBATIONERS AND SUBMIT MONTHLY REPORTS ON PROGRESS. THE VOLUNTEERS MUST ALSO MEET WITH THE PROBATION OFFICERS AT ASSIGNED TIMES; COUNSELING IS A MAJOR COMPONENT OF THIS PROGRAM. THE VOLUNTEERS ACT AS CONFIDANTS, COUNSELORS, PROBLEM SOLVERS, AND ROLE MODELS. VOLUNTEERS MUST KEEP IN CONTACT WITH PROBATIONERS, BE PATIENT, BE PREPARED FOR SETBACKS, AND RESPECT CONFIDENTIALLY COMPLETELY. ATTENDANCE AT ASSIGNED TRAINING SESSIONS IS REQUIRED, AND PARTICIPATION IN INSERVICE TRAINING SESSIONS IS ENCOURAGED. VOLUNTEERS IN COURT PERFORMS ALL DUTIES CONNECTED WITH THE COURT SUCH AS INTAKE, CHECKING THE DOCKET, READING THE PROBATIONER'S CONDITIONS OF PROBATION, AND ANSWERING QUESTIONS. A TIME COMMITMENT OF 7 TO 8 HOURS WEEKLY IS REQUIRED. THE VOLUNTEER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOCUSES ON PERFORMANCE OF ASSIGNED CLERICAL DUTIES SUCH AS FILING, TYPING, AND PHONE MESSAGE RECORDING. ON-THE-JOB TRAINING IS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL WAY TO ORIENT VOLUNTEERS IN THIS PROGRAM. IN THE PROBATION INTERN PROGRAM, COLLEGE SENIORS, MAJORING IN RELATED FIELDS, WORK WITH THE PROFESSIONAL STAFF FOR ONE OR TWO SEMESTERS. THEY SUPERVISE CASES, CONDUCT INVESTIGATIONS, AND ASSIST THE COURT. ALL PROGRAMS PROVIDE AGENCY VOLUNTEERS WITH A VARIETY OF BENEFITS INCLUDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONAL GROWTH, INSURANCE, AND TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENTS. EXHIBITS AND SKETCHES ILLUSTRATE THE TEXT. (LWM)