Volunteering in probation and parole offices

We welcome community volunteers to help deliver programs and services to offenders. Volunteers provide offenders with opportunities to learn new skills and behaviours and serve as positive role models for offenders.

Become a volunteer

If you are interested in volunteering, we encourage you to apply for volunteer positions with Ontario’s Correctional Services. Major sources of recruitment include:

  • faith communities and self-help groups
  • special interest groups, community clubs and other volunteer organizations
  • local businesses, professional organizations and associations
  • universities and colleges

After you apply

We screen volunteers to ensure the applicant is an appropriate fit for the volunteer program. Applicants must undergo:

  • police/criminal record checks
  • reference checks

Screening procedures are consistent with the Ontario Human Rights Code.

If you have a criminal record, you can still apply and be considered for the volunteer program. The area manager will make the final decision about offering a volunteer position to an applicant with a criminal record.

Before you start volunteering

If you are offered a volunteer position at a probation or parole office you will have to complete training and an oath of confidentiality.

Training

Prior to beginning volunteer duties, all volunteers will receive training in:

  • administration, case supervision/recording, probation law and enforcement
  • social work theory, interviewing techniques
  • ministry structure, mandate, policies and procedures
  • offender volunteer relationships
  • confidentiality

Oath of confidentiality

Every volunteer must sign a Volunteers Oath of Confidentiality form.

Insurance

The ministry provides insurance coverage for all volunteers or students who do not receive payment for their services. There are no medical coverage under this policy as we assume that volunteers will have provincial medical coverage.

What volunteers might do

Probation and parole officer reports

Trained volunteers may help probation and parole officers gather research and other information for preparing court-ordered reports on an offender.

Volunteer coordinators

Volunteer coordinators are responsible for recruiting and training volunteers and provide overall leadership of volunteer programs. Placement decisions are based on a match between the volunteer’s abilities and interests and the offender or program’s needs.

Exit interview

The volunteer coordinator will interview departing volunteers to obtain suggestions that may be useful to revise or improve the volunteer program.