Overview of Steps to Becoming an IDOC Regular Volunteer

Steps to Becoming an IDOC Regular Volunteer

There are two steps you need to complete to become a Regular Volunteer at any IDOC facility:

• Complete an Online Application, and

• Attend an in-person Volunteer Training Session.

This paper explains the volunteer types and volunteer levels.

Another document will include instructions on how to complete an application and how to  sign up for a volunteer training session.

VOLUNTEER TYPES

There are two types of volunteers: Limited Service and Regular.

Limited Service is for volunteers who will be entering a facility fewer than four times per year.

You will be applying as a Regular because you will be entering facilities more than four times per year.

Both volunteer types submit the same application, but Limited Service volunteers do not need to attend a yearly training.

STEPS TO BECOME A REGULAR VOLUNTEER

To become a regular volunteer both you and IDOC need to complete the following steps:

• You will complete an online application,

• IDOC will run a background check on you,

• IDOC will process and approve your application,  AND

• You must complete an IDOC Volunteer training session once per calendar year.  

NOTE: It usually takes at least a month to have your application approved by the IDOC administration, so it’s best to complete your application as soon as possible.

REGULAR VOLUNTEERS LEVELS

There are two regular volunteer levels, and these levels determine the level of supervision needed when you are with the population.

LEVEL 1 VOLUNTEER

Regular Volunteers start out as Level 1 which means that at most facilities you will need someone supervising you until you complete 24 hours of service with the population (only 10 hours for a CRC [community reentry center]). Level 1 volunteers get a yellow badge at each facility when they check in.  

LEVEL 2 VOLUNTEER

After you complete your Level 1 hours, you can request a Level 2 volunteer status which allows you to have a green badge at each facility you visit. This green badge means that you are approved to be unsupervised with the residents. The badge stays at the check-in office, and you will receive it when you check in each time you visit.

HOW SUPERVISION WORKS

Normally, on-site staff provide supervision. Because prison staffing is limited, getting started as a Level 1 volunteer can be challenging because it’s hard to find staff to supervisor.

However, a Level 2 volunteer can supervise a Level 1 volunteer.

Mark Fisher, Stacy Hardy, and Kathy Getto have achieved their Level 2 volunteer status for many facilities, so they can be your supervisors while you work towards your own Level 2 status.

This will help get new volunteers into facilities quicker.

TO BEGIN YOUR APPLICATION PROCESS, PLEASE CONTACT KATHY GETTO AND SHE WILL PROVIDE YOU BOTH THE APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION.