Maine State Prison Volunteer Program
For many decades, the Maine State Prison has relied upon
citizen volunteer services to enhance the existing facility programs
and services available to prisoners. Presently, approved and
trained citizens volunteer in program areas such as education,
religious services, medical or substance abuse services and also
provide ancillary support to staff.
With increased public awareness and interest
in corrections, a comprehensive citizen volunteer program has evolved
at the prison, where approximately two hundred volunteers have
completed orientation training. Many volunteer contribute their
time on a regular schedule, while some come in on an occasional
basis.
Those who make a commitment to come on a regular basis are
typically involved in a specific program or course offered to
the prisoners, such as the horticulture program, academic tutoring,
religious services or substance abuse classes. While some of
these volunteers may be retired professionals, a significant number
take time from their active careers to provide services to prisoners.
Although the majority of volunteers are recruited by the individual
department heads of prisoner programs or services, anyone who is
interested in volunteering is asked to contact the facility’s
Deputy Warden of Prisoner Services, who oversees the volunteer
program.
Application forms are available through the Deputy
Warden of Prisoner Services, who can be reached through the facility’s
main telephone number (273-5300).
Volunteer Eligibility Qualifications
- Minimum age requirement of twenty one years,
Valid government issued photo identification card,
Is not presently an approved visitor for any prisoner(s) or waiting
approval as a visitor,
- Has not had visiting privilege or volunteer status
either suspended or terminated at any correctional facility,
unless an exception is approved in writing by the Chief Administrative
Officer,
- Is not a family member, friend or relative of a prisoner,
unless an exception is approved in writing by the Chief Administrative
Officer,
- Is not a former prisoner of any correctional facility
(including federal, military, state or county correctional
facility), unless an exception is approved in writing by the
Chief Administrative Officer,
- Demonstrates the ability to relate
to prisoners,
Provides the necessary valid licensure or certification documentation
as a prerequisite to providing professional services,
- Completes
the volunteer application and screening (e.g. criminal background
check, reference verification, license or certification verification)
required by the facility unless modified or waived by the
Chief Administrative Officer, and
- Does not pose a threat to the safety or security of the facility
as determined by the facility Chief of Security or other
supervisory staff designated by the Chief Administrative
Officer.
Volunteer Orientation
Once a volunteer has been approved, an orientation training
session lasting approximately four hours will be provided
to include information and materials on the following:
- The mission and background of the facility,
- Introduction to unit management and direct supervision
principles,
- Physical layout of the facility and escort procedures,
- Volunteer
rules and regulations,
- Security practices, including search
procedures for volunteers,
- Emergency procedures and codes,
- MDOC
policies and procedures on Harassment and the Equal Employment
Opportunity/Affirmative Action guidelines (volunteers will
be expected to sign the forms acknowledging they have received
this information),
- MDOC policies and procedures
concerning Code of Ethics, Standards of Conduct,
Sexual Misconduct Against Prisoners, Smoking
and Confidentiality of Records (volunteers will be expected
to sign the forms acknowledging they have received
this information), and
- Responsibility to inform appropriate staff if
the volunteer is aware of a potential prisoner
suicide attempt, escape attempt and other potential
emergencies or criminal activity.
