Correctional Services
Volunteer Opportunities
Thousands of volunteers work with offenders on a regular basis in Ontario's correctional services system.
Correctional volunteers:
- act as reliable and knowledgeable sources of information for treatment programs and skills training;
- offer emotional support;
- help offenders access services to re-direct their lives upon release; and
- play an important role in the rehabilitation effort.
Volunteers provide many programs and services, such as:
- pastoral counselling;
- Alcoholics Anonymous groups;
- education and life skills training;
- parenting and employment skills;
- anger management groups;
- arts and crafts programs;
- interpreter services;
- discharge planning;
- music and leisure activities; and
- supervising minimum risk probationers.
Volunteer screening
All volunteers are thoroughly screened and assessed before working with offenders. Volunteer screening involves the completion of the following steps:
- Submit an application form.
- Complete an initial interview.
- Complete a second in-depth interview.
- Undergo a reference check and CPIC (Canadian Police Information Centre) check.
Ex-offenders
Former offenders may be considered for volunteer placements if they:
- meet security-screening requirements, and
- possess the qualities and qualifications necessary for the task.
Volunteer co-ordinators
Volunteer co-ordinators in the ministry's institutions and probation & parole offices administer volunteer activities.
They assess the status of programs and monitor the performance of volunteers.
How to volunteer
To find out more about becoming a correctional volunteer, contact your local correctional institution or probation & parole office.
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