Volunteering
The Virginia Department of Corrections has many opportunities for community members to volunteer in assisting the Department. Volunteering is also a rewarding way to make a meaningful difference in the lives of incarcerated individuals and in helping the Department in fulfilling our mission of preparing released individuals to become productive, successful, and engaged members of their communities.
Volunteers are an important part of the day-to-day activities and complement the services provided by our staff. We are committed to recruiting dedicated and resourceful volunteers to assist in our facilities. Successful formerly incarcerated persons are strongly encouraged to volunteer. Find a volunteering opportunity at an institution near you!
Eligibility & Qualifications
Anyone interested in volunteering must complete an application, submit to a background investigation, and disclose all associates, friends, and relatives who are incarcerated or under VADOC supervision. Volunteers must meet the following requirements to be considered:
- Must be 18 years of age or older and possess valid, government-issued identification.
- Must not be under VADOC supervision, however, exceptions may be granted.
- Be of good reputation, good character, and have a desire to serve humanity.
Volunteers are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, social, economic and education level or religious affiliation.
Expectations for Volunteers
All approved applicants must complete the required training and orientation. Individuals must serve voluntarily of their own free will without pay or other compensation.
Volunteers are expected to maintain confidentiality, show up on time, dependably honor their commitments, provide encouragement and support for others, and be competent in the desired area of service. They must comply with all rules and laws governing behavior, dress, and contraband for the institutions in which they serve. VADOC has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and drug use or conveyance.
Being a successful volunteer includes being a good role model to the populations we serve. This includes giving constructive and positive feedback and proactively promoting crime-free living. We also recommend being fair, firm, consistent, honest, and objective in the behaviors you show approval or disapproval of when interacting with incarcerated individuals.
Volunteer Tips
- Individuals who wish to volunteer can set themselves up for success by shadowing an experienced volunteer. Don’t be afraid to ask questions — VADOC employees are happy to help.
- To find out more about volunteering and who is eligible to volunteer please read Operating Procedure 027.1 Volunteer Program and Internships
- For general questions and inquiries in reference to volunteer opportunities please email us at VADOC Volunteer Inquiry Mailbox
Examples of Volunteer Opportunities
Roles, activities, and offices volunteers can assist in include:
- Assisting with personal development by providing housing, job placement training, and money management training.
- Participating in faith-based programming.
- Facilitate Self-help support groups (NA/AA)
- Work on educational projects or as a college intern to further understanding of the criminal justice systems.
- Providing programming to assist in reducing recidivism.
- Participating in Victim Awareness programming opportunities through the Office of Victim Services.
- Assisting the Parole Office in providing services and information to individuals under supervision.
- Supporting VADOC service providers or community partners who house incarcerated or recently released individuals in the community.
Available Volunteer Roles
Local Facility Volunteer
Local Volunteers provide services to assist the facility staff, help deliver programming to the inmates, provide substance abuse programming educational services and participating in faith-based programming to help inmates make productive use of their time while incarcerated.
If you provide services in the following areas:
Faith-based, Education, Alcohol and Drug Intervention, Education, Interviewing Skills, Resume writing or Victim Awareness we welcome you to apply to be a Local Volunteer. Please reach out to the facility in which you would like to volunteer your services to speak with the volunteer coordinator for that facility.
Statewide Volunteer
After having served as a local unit volunteer for at least one year at one or more VADOC facilities, and you intend to regularly volunteer, as needed, at multiple facilities in various parts of the state, application can be made to become a statewide volunteer. A positive reference or recommendation from the volunteer coordinator of the facility(ies) where you volunteered is required. For more information call (804) 674-3000 to speak with the Statewide Volunteer Coordinator.
Local Reentry Resource Volunteer
Reentry Resource Volunteers provide services to enhance an individual’s skills and knowledge base pre-release, assisting them in developing strategies for a successful transition back to their families and communities.
If you provide services in the following areas:
Parenting, Employment, Financial Counseling, Veterans Support, Education, Entrepreneurship, Transportation and Housing, or any other service which assist in overcoming barriers to success; we welcome your application to become a Local Reentry Resource Volunteer. Please reach out to the facility in which you would like to volunteer your services to speak with the volunteer coordinator for that facility.
Statewide Re-entry Resource Volunteer
After having served as a local reentry volunteer for at least one year at one or more VADOC facilities, and you intend to regularly volunteer, as needed, at multiple facilities in various parts of the state application can be made to become a statewide reentry volunteer. A reference or recommendation from the volunteer coordinator of the facility(ies) where you volunteered is required. For more information call (804) 674-3000 to speak with the Workforce Development Manager.