NCJ Number
90384
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 46 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1983) Pages: 57-64
Date Published
1983
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Volunteers can be used in adult probation in presentence investigation, clerical positions, courtroom assistance, in auxiliary capacities, and as assistants to probation officers.
Abstract
When used properly, volunteers can be cost effective, enhance agency public relations, and provide benefits to probationers. Extensive personal interviews were conducted with 10 current and past district volunteer coordinators in Texas. Drawbacks associated with heavy reliance on one-to-one programs in adult probation are agency liability, additional burdens for the probation officer, and susceptibility/vulnerability of the volunteer. The volunteer coordinators thus were not enthusiastic about one-to-one counseling programs using volunteers for adult probationers. However, volunteers can be used successfully in presentence roles to help conduct presentence investigations. Temporary clerical help can be provided through local volunteer clearinghouses. Volunteers used in presentence investigations and for courtroom assistance ideally should be individuals planning careers in social work or criminal justice. In Bexar County, Tex., volunteers receive exposure to all facets associated with adult probation services. The volunteer assists an assigned probation officer in caseload management. This involves interviewing, presentence investigation, counseling, and courtroom assistance. College interns and others planning criminal justice or social work careers are best suited for this comprehensive volunteer position. Footnotes and a table outlining the uses of volunteers in adult probation programs are included.