HomeMy WebLinkAboutVolunteer Services in Correctional FacilitiesIdaho
Department of
Correction
Standard
Operating
Procedure
Title:
Volunteer Services in Correctional Facilities
Page:
1 of 14
Control Number:
606.02.01.001
Version:
6.0
Adopted:
02-07-1997
Ashley Dowell, chief of prisons, approved this document on 07/10/2017.
Open to the public: Yes
SCOPE
This SOP is applicable to all volunteers, staff members, and contract providers involved in
volunteer and religious services at IDOC correctional facilities, community reentry centers
(CRCs), and central office.
Revision Summary
Revision date (07/10/2017) version 6.0: Changes were made to requirements for volunteers at
Community Reenty Centers only; no changes to prisons.
Previous revision was dated 05/06/2016.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Purpose ................................................................................................................................ 2
Responsibility ....................................................................................................................... 2
General requirements ........................................................................................................... 3
1. Volunteer Program Development ................................................................................. 3
2. Attire and Appearance ................................................................................................. 3
3. Volunteer Statuses and Categories .............................................................................. 4
4. Identification (ID) Cards ............................................................................................... 6
5. Approval Process ......................................................................................................... 6
6. Volunteering at Secondary Facilities ............................................................................ 8
7. Annual Background Check ........................................................................................... 9
8. Request for Level-2 Volunteer Status........................................................................... 9
9. Training Requirements ................................................................................................10
10. Conclude Volunteer Service ....................................................................................11
11. Terminate or Suspend Volunteer Service ................................................................12
12. Retention .................................................................................................................12
Control Number:
606.02.01.001
Version:
6.0
Title:
Volunteer Services in Correctional
Facilities
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13. Annual Review ........................................................................................................13
14. Volunteer Recognition Events .................................................................................13
Definitions ...........................................................................................................................13
References ..........................................................................................................................13
BOARD OF CORRECTION IDAPA RULE NUMBER 606
Volunteer Services
POLICY CONTROL NUMBER 606
Volunteer Service Programs and Volunteers
PURPOSE
The purpose of this standard operating procedure (SOP) is to provide guidance regarding
volunteer services in correctional facilities and to establish procedures to select, recruit,
approve, train, and manage volunteers and the services they provide.
RESPONSIBILITY
Prisons Division Chief
The Prisons Division chief is responsible for:
• Ensuring that facility heads and other staff involved with volunteer services
implement this SOP
Prisons Division Volunteer and Religious Activity Coordinator (VRC)
The Prisons Division VRC is responsible for:
• Overseeing the volunteer services program in IDOC facilities
• Collaborating with the Prisons and Probation and Parole deputy chiefs regarding
volunteer services
• Developing and overseeing the delivery of volunteer training.
Facility Heads
Facility heads are responsible for:
• Implementing this SOP
• Ensuring staff members and volunteers follow the procedures, guidelines, and
instructions contained herein
• Designating staff members to serve as the VRC at their respective facilities if
someone has not been contracted to be the VRC.
Facility VRC
The Facility VRC is responsible for:
• Coordinating and overseeing volunteer activities in facilities
• Recruiting religious volunteers if the need arises
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• Maintaining volunteer records
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Volunteer Program Development
Volunteers may provide faith-based or secular activities to the inmate population. Facility
heads, and/or designees, are responsible for determining the volunteers needed at their
facility, including the number of volunteers facility resources can support. Due to staff and
facility limitations, not all services can be provided to every inmate.
Facility heads may approve guided tours of their facilities so prospective volunteers can
make an informed decision regarding their volunteer service before investing their time in
training.
The following issues must be considered when developing the facility’s volunteer program:
• Custody level of the facility
• Ethnic and cultural composition of the inmate population
• Recommendations from the facility and/or Prisons Division VRC
• Requests from inmates for specific services
• Staff availability to supervise volunteers and volunteer activities
• Support and resources needed for volunteer activities
• Support and resources needed for faith-based activities
• Support service opportunities
Recruiting Volunteers
VRCs, with their respective facility management teams, will establish partnerships with
community agencies to recruit volunteers representing ethnic, cultural, gender, faith, and
economic demographics reflective of the inmate population.
Volunteer Services
Volunteers deliver a variety of services including, but not limited to, the following:
• Faith-based activities
• Religious activities
• Self-help programs
• Vocation and education activities
2. Attire and Appearance
To ensure safety in the facility, volunteers must adhere to the following standards:
• Avoid dressing in clothing that matches inmates’ state-issued clothing. Facility heads
may approve volunteers wearing jeans in facilities
• Demonstrate good hygiene
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• No clothing that depicts gang affiliation, racial slurs, profane or obscene subject
matter, tobacco or alcohol products, or any other type of contraband
• No provocative or revealing clothing
• No shirts or blouses with an open midriff
• No shorts or short skirts
• No tank tops, halter-tops, or see-through fabrics
• Shoes are mandatory
• Wear proper under garments
3. Volunteer Statuses and Categories
All volunteers fall within one of the four categories outlined below and must abide by the
standards of their respective category. Volunteers may qualify for a status designation, in
addition to the volunteer category, based on the standards outlined below.
Category
Mentor
A mentor is a volunteer through the Free2Succeed program. Mentors and the processes
associated with mentors are not guided by this SOP, unless the mentor belongs to one
of the other volunteer categories in addition to their mentor role. Mentors are required to
abide by the standards set forth in the mentor requirements which can be found at:
https://www.idoc.idaho.gov/content/prisons/volunteers_mentors/mentors.
Level-1 Volunteer
Level-1 volunteers require constant staff or Level-2 volunteer escort and observation. All
new volunteers will begin their volunteer service as a Level-1 volunteer, unless they are
under “Restricted Access” status.
Level 1 volunteers are required to attend New Volunteer Training, Facility Orientation,
and Annual Refresher Training in accordance section 9. Training Requirements.
Level-2 Volunteer
Level-2 volunteers do not require staff escort or constant supervision while at a facility.
Level-2 volunteers at a Community Reentry Center (CRC) may be approved to escort
offenders to outside activities in accordance with Furlough Program: Inmate,
605.02.01.001.
To qualify for Level-2 status in a prison facility, volunteers must demonstrate an ability to
work successfully in the prison environment and have at least twenty-four hours of
volunteer service as a Level-1 volunteer. To qualify for Level-2 status in a CRC,
volunteers must demonstrate an ability to work successfully in the CRC environment and
have at least ten hours of volunteer service as a Level -1 volunteer. The facility head or
designee must approve the move from Level-1 to Level-2 volunteer status for it to be
effective. Volunteers may be required to remain at a Level-1 status, based on facility
head or designee discretion as a condition of their volunteer service.
Facility head or designee may grant an exception to the twenty four hours of service
requirement after consultation with the Prisons Division VRC. Circumstances that may
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merit an exception include, but are not limited to, prior experience volunteering or
working in another correctional institution.
Level 2 volunteers are required to attend Facility Orientation and Annual Refresher
Training in accordance section 9. Training Requirements.
Limited-Service Volunteer
Limited-Service volunteers require staff escort and constant staff supervision while at a
facility. Limited-service volunteers are volunteers who will enter the facility no more than
four times per year for a special event. For example, a one-time guest speaker would
qualify as a Limited-Service volunteer. Limited-Service volunteers must undergo a
criminal background check and obtain facility head approval prior to entering a facility.
Limited-Service volunteers are not required to complete new volunteer training or the
annual refresher training. Limited-Service volunteers may be required to attend an
orientation provided by either the sponsoring organization or the IDOC.
IDOC staff may be approved as a Limited-Service volunteer on a case-by-case basis
with prior written approval from the division chief or designee. Staff must submit a
request to volunteer to the Prisons Division VRC.
Status
Clergy
A volunteer may be designated “Clergy” if they meet the following standards. Generally
speaking, clergy is an individual officially representing a church or religious organization,
one who may be ordained, licensed, elected or appointed by a governing body to
perform a leadership role, or one whose main purpose is to provide direct, confidential
spiritual guidance, and counseling to members of a congregation.
Those who qualify as clergy in accordance with this definition will be permitted to meet
one-on-one with an inmate who is a member of their congregation to provide direct,
spiritual guidance, and counseling. All clergy must still abide by the standards set forth
herein and must be within one of the four volunteer categories as well.
The VRC will verify clergy designation and may require additional information from the
potential volunteer.
Restricted Access
A volunteer may be given “Restricted Access” status. Restricted access requires staff
escort and constant staff supervision.
Generally, potential volunteers with a significant criminal background may be granted
restricted access. Approval from the facility head and Prisons Division deputy chief or
Probation and Parole deputy chief is required to grant a potential volunteer restricted
access.
The volunteer may request the removal of restricted access status. The request will be
approved if the facility head recommends approval and Prisons Division deputy chief or
Probation and Parole Division deputy chief concurs.
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4. Identification (ID) Cards
IDOC staff will supply each volunteer with an ID card and will check volunteers in and out of
the facility through the online volunteer tracking system in accordance with Facility Access,
510.02.01.001. All ID cards will be kept at the facility where the volunteer is approved and
issued to the volunteer in exchange for the volunteer’s driver’s license, state issued ID card,
or military issued ID card. Volunteer ID cards must be displayed on the volunteer in a clear
and immediately visible location.
Level-1 and Limited-Service volunteers will be issued a generic visitor ID. Level-2 volunteers
will be issued a green ID card that will display the volunteer’s legal first name, middle initial
(if applicable), last name, IDOC identification number, and photo of the volunteer. Level-2
volunteers who provide services at multiple locations will have a green ID at each location.
5. Approval Process
Volunteers are required to abide by the terms and conditions of the Volunteer Agreement,
appendix B. All volunteers are required to undergo a criminal background check and receive
facility head approval prior to entering a facility. In addition, volunteers must undergo a
criminal background check annually.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for any IDOC volunteer category, individuals must meet the following
criteria:
• Eighteen years of age or older.
• US citizen or legal authorization to be in the country.
• Within the past three years, no adult felony convictions or incarcerations, nor any
misdemeanor drug-related convictions, unless the Prisons Division deputy chief or
Probation and Parole Division deputy chief grants an exception by approving the
initial application for volunteer service.
• No outstanding warrants or pending criminal charges.
• Former IDOC employees and contractors must not have been terminated for cause.
Current IDOC employees may only qualify as a Limited-Service volunteer, in accordance
with section 3, but are prohibited from volunteering in any other capacity.
Visiting Inmates
Volunteers can be an approved visitor of immediate family members, as defined in
Visiting, 604.02.01.001. However, volunteers cannot volunteer at the same facility where
they visit, unless specifically approved by the facility head to continue volunteer services
and visits at that facility. Whenever practical, the Prisons Division VRC will reassign
volunteers when a conflict occurs between visiting and volunteer services.
Volunteer Application Process
Functional Roles
and
Responsibilities
Step Tasks
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Functional Roles
and
Responsibilities
Step Tasks
Applicant 1
Review the Volunteer Agreement and complete the
appropriate volunteer application online.
• New Volunteers must complete the “New Volunteer
Application” and Limited Service Volunteers must
complete the “Limited Service Volunteer Application.”
Facility VRC 2
Review the application to determine if the applicant meets
the eligibility criteria. If the applicant does meet the criteria,
the Facility VRC will submit the application to the Idaho
Public Safety and Security Information System (ILETS)
Operator for a criminal background check. If the volunteer
does not meet the criteria, notify the applicant and the
Prisons Division VRC.
ILETS Operator 4
• Conduct the criminal background check in accordance
with Facility Access, 510.02.01.001 and the eligibility
requirements herein,
• Check if the volunteer is on an inmate’s visiting list,
• Complete the ILETS Operator section of appendix A,
and
• Return the form and application to the VRC.
Facility VRC 5
Complete the VRC section of appendix A and submit the
form and the application to the deputy warden or second in
command.
Deputy Warden or
Second in
Command
6
Review the application, complete the applicable section of
appendix A, and forward the form and the application, to
the facility head.
At a CRC, the facility head may also complete the second
in command section.
Facility Head or
Designee 7
Review the form and the application, and approve or deny
the applicant.
• If the volunteer will receive “restricted access,” note this
on appendix A.
• If the volunteer applicant has any adult felony
convictions, or misdemeanor drug-related convictions
within the last three years, forward the form and
application to the Prisons Division VRC and applicable
deputy chief. The deputy chief will approve or deny and
return the application to the Facility Head, Facility VRC,
and Prisons Division VRC.
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Functional Roles
and
Responsibilities
Step Tasks
Facility VRC 8
Document the approval or denial of the applicant in the
online volunteer management system in accordance with
the VRC Manual and notify the volunteer applicant.
• If the applicant is approved as a New Volunteer, make
sure the New Volunteer Training and Facility Orientation
is completed.
• If the applicant is approved as a Limited Service
Volunteer, the VRC will coordinate the visit or event in
accordance facility processes.
• If a volunteer applicant is denied, notify the Prisons
Division VRC.
Facility VRC 9
Maintain the volunteer record in the online volunteer
management system in accordance with the VRC Manual.
This includes, but is not limited to, entering training
completion dates and tracking annual background checks.
6. Volunteering at Secondary Facilities
Once a volunteer is approved to volunteer at one facility, access may be granted at
secondary facilities if the secondary facility(ies) has a need for the volunteer service and the
volunteer’s access to that facility is approved.
Functional Roles
and
Responsibilities
Step Tasks
Volunteer 1 Contact the Facility VRC at the secondary facility and
request access to that facility.
Facility VRC
2 Contact the Facility VRC at the primary facility and obtain
feedback on the volunteer’s service and history.
3
Determine if there is a need for the volunteer’s services at
the secondary facility.
If the volunteer’s services are not needed, discuss with the
Prisons Division VRC and second in command. Notify the
volunteer.
4
If the volunteer’s services are needed, obtain the
completed appendix A for the primary facility and make
sure the background check was completed.
If the background check has not been completed within the
past year, coordinate with the VRC at the primary facility to
have this completed.
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Functional Roles
and
Responsibilities
Step Tasks
5
Submit the completed appendix A for the primary facility
and a clean appendix A. Complete the VRC section of
appendix A on the clean form, and submit it to the deputy
warden or second in command for review.
Deputy Warden or
Second in
Command
6
Complete the applicable section of the clean appendix A,
and forward the form to the facility head. At a CRC, the
facility head may complete the second in command section
too.
Facility Head or
Designee 7 Review and approve or deny the applicant. If the volunteer
will receive “restricted access,” note this on appendix A.
Facility VRC 8
Document the approval or denial of the applicant in the
online volunteer management system in accordance with
the VRC Manual, and notify the volunteer applicant.
If the volunteer is denied access to the secondary facility,
notify the Prisons Division VRC and the applicable Facility
VRC(s) of any facilities at which the volunteer provides
services.
7. Annual Background Check
On an annual basis, all volunteers must undergo a background security check. It is the
volunteer’s responsibility to notify the VRC if any changes to their criminal record have
occurred in the past year. It is also the volunteer’s responsibility to notify the Facility VRC if
they do not wish to have a background check completed and will subsequently conclude
their volunteer service.
If any new arrest or charge is found, refer to the procedural steps in section 13.
8. Request for Level-2 Volunteer Status
A volunteer may request Level-2 volunteer status. If the volunteer is an approved Level-2
Volunteer at one facility, the secondary facility will also approve, unless there is a reason
specific to that facility that merits denial. The request will be approved if the volunteer has:
• Demonstrated an ability to work successfully in the prison or CRC environment,
• Has at least twenty-four hours for a request in a prison facility, or at least ten hours
for a request at a CRC, of volunteer service as a Level-1 volunteer,
o If the volunteer has already met this requirement at their primary facility, an
exception to completing the full twenty four hours at the secondary facility may be
granted by the secondary facility deputy warden.
• The facility VRC recommends approval, and
• The facility deputy warden or second in command approves the request.
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Process
Functional Roles
and
Responsibilities
Step Tasks
Volunteer 1 Contact the Facility VRC to request Level-2 volunteer
status.
Facility VRC 2
Where applicable, contact the VRCs at other facilities
where the volunteer is approved and request feedback on
the volunteer’s service and history. Obtain their
recommendation for the volunteer’s Level-2 status request.
Obtain the completed appendix A from the volunteer’s
Level-1 status approval. Complete the applicable section,
noting your recommendation as well as the
recommendation from other applicable facilities.
Forward it with all relevant information to the deputy
warden or second in command.
Deputy Warden or
Second in
Command 3
Review the request and recommendation from the VRC
and make a decision to approve or deny.
If denied, clearly articulate reason for denial on appendix A.
Notify the Prisons Division VRC of the denial.
Facility VRC 4
Notify the volunteer and document the approval or denial of
the applicant in the online volunteer management system in
accordance with the VRC Manual.
Volunteer, if
applicable 5
If Level 2 status is denied, the volunteer may dispute this
decision by notifying the Facility VRC. The decision will be
escalated to the Facility Head for final decision.
Facility VRC, if
applicable 6
Upon notification from volunteer of dispute, notify the
deputy warden or second in command and the Prisons
Division VRC. Submit the following information to Facility
Head or designee: completed Appendix A, volunteer
history, purpose for denial, and any other relevant
information.
Facility Head or
Designee, if
applicable 7 Review documentation and make final decision and notify
Facility VRC and deputy warden or second in command.
Facility VRC 8 Notify volunteer of final decision.
9. Training Requirements
The Prisons Division chief (or designee) must approve all volunteer training lesson plans.
The Prisons Division VRC (or designee) will develop and conduct the volunteer training.
New Volunteer Training
New volunteers must attend six hours of new volunteer training.
The facility head may waive the new volunteer training requirement for former IDOC
employees or contractors who are approved to volunteer.
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Facility-specific Orientation
New volunteers, or volunteers new to the facility, must attend the facility-specific
orientation. This orientation is provided when volunteers begin service at an IDOC facility
and is designed specific to that facility’s infrastructure, mission, facility access, and
emergency procedures.
Facility-specific orientation must, at minimum, include the following:
• Entry and Exit Procedures: badges, signing in and out, items not to bring in, escort
procedures (if applicable)
• Tour of the Facility: for larger facilities, this may only include the area at which the
volunteer will be providing services
• Radio Use (if applicable)
• Emergency Procedures
• Question and Answer period
The deputy warden or designee at the facility must participate in providing the facility
orientation.
Annual Refresher Training
All volunteers must complete a minimum of four hours of refresher training annually. The
training may be offered live or online. The Prisons Division VRC must approve all
refresher training schedules, locations, trainers, and curriculums.
Failure to complete the annual refresher training will result in conclusion of volunteer
service.
10. Conclude Volunteer Service
A volunteer’s service with the IDOC will end without prejudice if the following applies:
• The volunteer has not provided services during the past six months, excluding
Limited-Service volunteers
• Upon volunteer request
• Upon ending association with an organization that endorsed or sponsored the
volunteer’s service
• When the assigned task has been completed or the position is no longer needed
• Training requirements are not met
A volunteer may conclude services at one facility, and remain active at other facilities.
When conclusion of services occurs, the facility VRC will:
• Review the volunteer’s information in the online volunteer management system
• Document the reason for ending the volunteer service in accordance with the VRC
Manual
• Destroy the volunteer’s IDOC ID card issued for the facility
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11. Terminate or Suspend Volunteer Service
Termination
A volunteer’s service and access to IDOC facilities can be terminated at the discretion of the
IDOC when it is suspected that a volunteer:
• Acts in a manner that endangers the safe and orderly operation of a facility
• Acts in a manner that threatens the IDOC rehabilitative process
• Is arrested or charged with a crime
• Violates an IDOC rule or policy, including those in appendix B, Volunteer Agreement
If the IDOC terminates a volunteer’s access to one facility, access is terminated in all
facilities. If a terminated volunteer seeks reinstatement at a later date, the Prisons
Division VRC must immediately be notified. Reinstatement may be granted upon
approval of the Prisons Chief, or designee.
Suspension
If for any reason staff or the VRC believes that a volunteer should be suspended or a
situation investigated, the facility head may temporarily suspend the volunteer’s access.
The facility head will immediately contact the Prisons Division VRC.
The Prisons Division VRC will gather information regarding the situation and consult with
a Prisons Division deputy chief, or Probation and Parole Division deputy chief. A deputy
chief or chief will make a determination regarding the volunteer’s status. One of the
following actions will be taken:
• Volunteer will return to previous status with no additional restrictions
• Volunteer will return to previous status with additional restriction, training, and/or
instruction
• Volunteer’s volunteer status will be terminated and access to all IDOC facilities will
be revoked
Documentation
The Prisons Division VRC will ensure the online volunteer management system is
updated to reflect the decision and that the action taken is consistent at all IDOC
facilities. The Prisons Division VRC will collect all documentation regarding the
termination and save it in the volunteer’s record. The Facility VRC(s) will collect and
destroy the terminated volunteer’s facility ID card. If a terminated volunteer seeks
reinstatement at a later date, the Prisons Division VRC must immediately be notified.
Reinstatement may be granted upon approval of the Prisons Chief, or designee.
12. Retention
Facility Documentation
Volunteer records will be retained in the online volunteer management system for at least
one year after the volunteer’s service is concluded. If the volunteer was terminated, the
volunteer records will be retained for at least two years after the termination.
The facility VRC is responsible for maintaining these records in accordance with the VRC
Manual and all requirements herein. Facility VRCs will monitor the check-in/check-out
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procedures described in Facility Access, 510.02.01.001 and if any requirements are not
adhered to, the facility VRC must report the issue to the facility head or Prisons Division
VRC.
Prisons Division Documentation
Each facility VRC will maintain documentation and provide reports to the Prisons Division
VRC by 10th of each month. The Prisons Division VRC will provide the reporting format,
which will include:
• Donations
• Removal of volunteers for cause
• Volunteer hours of service
• Number of volunteers
• Other information the Prisons Division VRC has requested
13. Annual Review
At a minimum, the Prisons Division VRC will review the volunteer services program at each
facility annually.
The Prisons Division VRC will provide statistics to IDOC administration to include:
• Donations to the IDOC
• Files of any volunteer removed for cause from active service
• Hours of service
• Number of volunteers
• Other information regarding the IDOC volunteer program
14. Volunteer Recognition Events
Annually, facility VRCs will schedule a recognition event to honor the volunteers. The facility
heads will provide their division chief, or designee, a recognition event agenda at least
fourteen days before the event. Recognition events may be coordinated with facilities in a
geographical area or organized into one event in the community.
DEFINITIONS
Facility Volunteer and Religious Activity Coordinator (VRC): A person designated to (1)
coordinate, recruit, and manage volunteers and volunteer activities, and (2) coordinate and
supervise religious activities at an IDOC facility.
REFERENCES
Appendix A, Volunteer Application Review Form
Appendix B, Volunteer Rules and Agreement
Volunteer Manual
VRC Manual
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Standard Operating Procedure Religious Activities, 403.02.01.001
Standard Operating Procedure Facility Access, 510.02.01.001
Standard Operating Procedure Furloughs, 605.02.01.001
Standard Operating Procedure Visiting, 604.02.01.001
– End of Document –
Volunteer Application Review Form
For use by the Idaho Department of Correction ONLY
Appendix A
606.02.01.001
Update Date: 05/06/2016 Page 1 of 2
IDOC Data Sensitivity Classification - L3 Restricted
Volunteer Name:______________________________________________ Date:___________
Last First M.I.
ILETS Operator
Criminal Background Check
□ No criminal record.
□ No misdemeanor drug conviction within the last 3 years.
□ No felony conviction.
□ Has misdemeanor drug conviction within the last 3 years (Complete section below).
□ Has a felony conviction (Complete section below).
Is the volunteer on an offender visiting list? □ Yes □ No
ILETS Operator Name (Print): Assoc. #:
Work Location: Phone:
If applicable, ILETS Results
Also known as/Alias:
States Needing Query Run:
Disclosures:
Relatives in System:
Felony Record? □ Yes □ No Misdemeanor Record within 5 years? □ Yes □ No
Valid Driver’s License? □ Yes, State Issued: □ No Motor Vehicle Record? □ Yes □ No
Brief description of record(s):
ILETS Operator Signature:______________________________________ Date:___________
VRC
Type of Volunteer: □ Level 1 □ Limited Service
Recommend Approval? □ Yes □ No OR □ Restricted Access Approval
If no, please explain:
If recommending Restricted Access status, please explain:
VRC Name (Print): Assoc. #:
VRC Signature:_______________________________________________ Date:___________
Volunteer Application Review Form
For use by the Idaho Department of Correction ONLY
Appendix A
606.02.01.001
Update Date: 05/06/2016 Page 2 of 2
IDOC Data Sensitivity Classification - L3 Restricted
Second-In-Command
Recommend Approval? □ Yes □ No □ Restricted Access Approval
If “no” or “restricted access approval,” please explain:
Name (Print): Assoc. #:
Second-In-Command Signature:__________________________________ Date:___________
Facility Head
Approval? □ Yes □ No □ Restricted Access Approval
If no, please explain:
Name (Print): Assoc. #:
Facility Head Signature:_________________________________________ Date:___________
LEVEL 2 VOLUNTEER STATUS (If Applicable)
VRC
Has the volunteer met the requirement of 24 hours of on-site service at this facility? □ Yes
□ No
Does the volunteer provide services at any other site? Please list.
Do other sites recommend approval? □ Yes □ No □ N/A
Additional Information:
Recommend Approval? □ Yes □ No If no, please explain:
Name (Print): Assoc. #:
VRC Signature:_______________________________________________ Date:___________
Second-In-Command
Recommend Approval? □ Yes □ No If no, please explain:
Name (Print): Assoc. #:
Second-In-Command Signature:___________________________________ Date:__________
Appendix B
606.02.01.001
Update Date: 05/06/2016 Page 1 of 2
IDOC Data Sensitivity Classification - L3 Restricted
GENERAL STANDARDS
As a volunteer for the Idaho Department of Correction, hereinafter referred to as the IDOC, I
understand and agree to the following:
1. I will conduct my volunteer activities in accordance with this Agreement and the
Volunteer Services Standard Operating Procedures, 606.02.01.001. If I am unclear
about a policy, procedure, or term of this Agreement, it is my responsibility to seek
immediate clarification with the staff.
2. I will be respectful to staff, inmates, other volunteers, and those of other faiths.
3. I will maintain control of my personal property while at the facility and I will immediately
report the loss of any item to a staff member.
4. I understand I may be denied access to any unit and may be subject to search of my
person or vehicle for justifiable security purposes.
5. I will notify the IDOC prior to discussing my volunteer service with the media or a public
forum.
6. I understand that the Department will complete a criminal background check upon
receipt of my application and again annually. I understand that the initial background
check must be completed and my application approved before I am granted access to
any facility.
7. I understand I am responsible for notifying the Department if I do not wish to have my
criminal background check completed to renew my volunteer status. I also understand
this will conclude my volunteer service.
8. I understand my volunteer service may be terminated at the discretion of the IDOC.
9. If I am both a mentor and a volunteer, I will continue to abide by all terms of this
Agreement.
10. I understand the risk of volunteering in a correctional facility, including, but not limited to,
the risks of being taken hostage, injury to my person or property, and death.
11. Except in the case of sole negligence or willful misconduct of the State of Idaho, I agree
to assume fully all the risks which may result from my volunteer work in and for the
IDOC, and agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the State of Idaho, the Idaho
Department of Correction, and its officers, agents, and employees from and against any
and all liability, claims, damages, losses, expenses, actions, attorneys’ fees, and suits
whatsoever arising out of or in connection with my volunteer work in and for the IDOC.
12. I understand that the donation of my time and service does not represent employment or
any promise of employment and that the Department has no legal responsibility for
defending me in any legal action.
13. I understand that I have no property interest in the volunteer position, and that I may be
released from my duties as a volunteer at the discretion of the Department.
PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES
I understand that I am entering a secure facility and there are activities that I am strictly
prohibited from engaging in. I agree to abide by the following standards regarding prohibited
activities.
1. I understand unauthorized items are contraband and the introduction of contraband into
a correctional facility is a violation of state law. Restricted items must be pre-approved
by facility leadership. I will only bring items into the facility that the IDOC has
preauthorized and are specifically required for my volunteer service.
Idaho Department of Correction VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT
Appendix B
606.02.01.001
Update Date: 05/06/2016 Page 2 of 2
IDOC Data Sensitivity Classification - L3 Restricted
a. Contraband includes: alcoholic beverages, pets/animals, ammunition, drugs and
narcotics, explosives and explosive devices, firearms, oleoresin capsicum spray,
mace, tobacco, and other objects or materials that might be used to compromise
security, sound order, or discipline of the correctional facility.
b. Restricted Items: cell phones, pagers, computers, cameras, audio/video
equipment, prescription drugs, and tools.
2. I will not provide for or accept from an inmate any personal good or service, including,
but not limited to, making phone calls, mailing letters, making a purchase, selling or
exchanging any item(s) with an inmate, or delivering messages or packages to anyone
in the community or in a correctional facility.
3. I will never exchange any item with an inmate or give any item directly to an inmate.
4. I will maintain legal and ethical boundaries with all inmates.
5. I will keep my physical contact with an inmate to a minimum.
6. I will not engage in a romantic or sexual relationship with an inmate.
7. I will not engage in any personal communication, including but not limited to, letters,
emails, and phone calls, with an incarcerated inmate housed in a facility at which I
volunteer. I understand an exception will be granted for communication in accordance
with the Mentor Agreement if I become an approved mentor and the inmate I
communicate with is my mentee.
8. I will not allow any offender to reside in my personal residence or become employed
under my direct supervision upon release from incarceration.
9. I will never give money to an inmate or an offender or enter into any financial contract
with an inmate or offender.
10. If an offender returns to prison and I assisted him/her with reentry upon release, I will
immediately notify the IDOC.
PRISON RAPE ELIMINATION ACT (PREA) NOTIFICATION
1. I understand IDOC has a zero tolerance policy towards all forms of sexual abuse and
sexual harassment between inmates and between inmates and staff or volunteers.
2. Whether I observe the act or the act was reported to me, I understand I am required to
report any instances of sexual abuse or sexual harassment between inmates or between
inmates and staff or volunteers.
3. I understand that actual or attempted sexual activity or romantic relationship between a
volunteer and an inmate is strictly prohibited, even if the inmate is a willing participant in
the activity.
4. I understand that as a volunteer, if I’m suspected of engaging in or attempting to engage
in a romantic relationship with an inmate, I will be immediately banned from all IDOC
facilities and removed from the IDOC volunteer program.
5. I understand that if I am suspected of engaging in sexual activity with an inmate, I will be
referred to the law enforcement authorities for investigation of violating Idaho Code,
Section 18-6110 and/or other Idaho State statutes that might be applicable.
Idaho Department of Correction VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT
Appendix B
606.02.01.001
Update Date: 05/06/2016 Page 3 of 2
IDOC Data Sensitivity Classification - L3 Restricted
I AGREE
By checking the “I agree” box of the online volunteer application, I am certifying that I have read
this Agreement. I understand and agree to abide by the terms and conditions of this agreement
and all IDOC standard operating procedures and policies.