Volunteer Program
WRC relies on volunteer services to enhance the existing facility
programs and services available to residents. Volunteers may assist
in areas such as education, religious services, physical or mental
health services, substance abuse services, and as ancillary support
to staff. Anyone interested in volunteering may apply using the
form available by calling 561-5027 or 561-5024.
Those who volunteer on a regular basis are typically involved
in a specific program or course offered to residents. While some
volunteers may be retired or active professionals, many take time
from their active careers to provide services to prisoners.
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.
