How can you train volunteers to work with people in correctional facilities or detention centers?

Having been there, I know how important it is to KNOW that any incarcerated individual will try to get something on you. No matter how small, ANY favor asked is the beginning of a manipulation. Any, even the slightest bend of a rule is letting the Devil open a door. Be respectful, even kind, but don't do anything outside the law or rules.

From my experience, the most important thing is to maintain a discipline policy with respect for the people who are in correctional facilities. work with the bases of human rights, taking into account that in detention centers, above all, there are people who, for whatever reason, continue to be so. Volunteering in this type of work must be mentally and physically strong in case any eventuality occurs, in addition; that he would be subject to different types of verbal attacks that affect the psyche.

I agree with the above statement. I’ve worked in corrections for a little over a decade and a half and have seen probably a little bit over my fair share of the types of…”occurrences” that can happen in an institutional setting. When it comes down to rules and regulations: please familiarize yourself with them. There will be policies that are NOT like anything you have dealt with on the outside. For example, one may be subjected to search upon entering, while within, and upon exiting from the institution. Know what to bring inside and not to bring. Know the institution movement times. Know emergency response procedures. Do not go exploring. You are there to do a job…do that job. Follow the rules and you should be good to go.

Very true above statement. Learn the culture of where you are going to volunteer. You can ask current and former employees to give you a rundown on the happenings of that facility. Learn the type of facility that you are volunteering to go to. Is it minimum security, maximum security, community custody, etc. There are VERY DIFFERENT dynamics that occur within each type of facility—and levels of security therein. Attend training programs that pertain to corrections. Is there a security issue there ie gangs, drugs, etc? What is the temperament of the employees and supervision? Are there issues within the incarcerated population? Forewarned is forearmed.

Building trust is a one way street with incarcerated individuals. The incarcerated subject should be able to trust the worker, but the worker can NEVER trust the incarcerated subject. Not for one second.

Learn to be their friend and understand why they took the wrong path previously. With this understanding. discuss and share how they can improve their lives by taking up a skill and spending their time in good work and colleagues.

Trust and rapport are important within corrections. Learn your people! Trust that the employees will do their jobs. Build rapport with everyone—well, as much as is acceptable. Be careful with trusting the incarcerated as some will try to manipulate them. It is of UTMOST IMPORTANCE that you establish a positive dominance within your respective area. What does that mean? Look for and establish respect. That’s a two way street. That is THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IN A PRISON SETTING. If they respect you, security risks should be low. If the officers/staff and even incarcerated persons see you as a decent person that takes their job seriously and gives respect when/where deserved, chances are that you will get it in return.

I will agree and disagree with the statement. Yes, a volunteer has the duty to assist those that are in need. They will “provide guidance and support” to those in need. To even volunteer within a prison is in itself…tough. But you chose to do it. Yes, helping people means to guide, support, train, and educate people that lack the aforementioned. HOWEVER…assisting also means to be able to say “NO”. You’re not there to be a “yes man/woman”. Sometimes helping people means to say no and teach them to reject ANYTHING that would cause them to reoffend. This is corrections, not catering. Your job is to get them to the water: their job is to drink it.

For this, you must return back to your original reasoning: your WHY. Why are you there? You can quit whenever you choose to. You do your volunteer time, you go back to your life outside of there. Make this your goal EVERYDAY. Incarceration is STRESSFUL! Regardless of where you are in the prison (ie officer, inmate, medical staff, teacher, etc). You are literally working in a building that cages you within the same confines of those that are incarcerated. Know your why. Learn and practice deep breathing. Exercise often. Learn coping techniques. Learn the difference between empathy and sympathy. Find enjoyment in your work. Worse case scenario: you can always leave. But know your why and that will carry you through.