After an extensive review and consultation process, Corrections has launched its revised Volunteer Policy and Operating Standards.
The full Volunteer Policy Statement and Operating Standards, together with application forms, can be accessed by referring to the related links box at the top right side of this page. These documents will tell you all you need to know about the Department’s philosophy on volunteering and how you can apply to be a prison volunteer.
A Handbook for Prison Volunteers is also available. (PDF: Adobe Acrobat 7.0, 2.4MB)
The following represents a brief summary of the new policy and operating standards.
Our philosophy
The Department of Corrections (The Department) is committed to developing and maintaining a strong and progressive volunteer policy as part of the goal of meeting the rehabilitative and reintegrative needs of prisoners and supporting the key outcome of reducing reoffending. In practice, this commitment extends to supporting and valuing the role of community volunteers, capacity building and working in partnership with volunteer groups and organisations to meet prisoner needs.
Our vision
The Department’s vision is one of a professionalised prison volunteering service, built on the principles of community participation, diversity, self-improvement and value-added services.
The role of a prison volunteer
Volunteers come from many different social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Achieving diversity helps to make the Department’s work, and that of its volunteers, more relevant and more accessible to a wider range of prisoners.
Volunteers working with the Department of Corrections provide a diverse range of activities and services to prisoners and their whānau. These can include addressing prisoners’ religious and spiritual needs, providing recreational activities, tuition, counselling, cultural and peer support or simply acting as a ‘buddy’ or mentor.
How to become a prison volunteer
You may apply through a voluntary organisation or independently, as part of a team, or as an individual. In brief, the application process involves criminal convictions checks and an assessment of suitability and need.
Applicants with previous convictions may be approved as a volunteer under certain circumstances. Each case is assessed on its merits taking a number of factors into account.
Induction training
All volunteers are required to attend induction training prior to approval. This helps to ensure that all volunteers are properly equipped to undertake their duties; are aware of their rights and obligations with regard to health, safety and security, and; understand the special requirements of the prison environment.
Further information
Comprehensive information on becoming a prison volunteer can be found in the Operating Standards.
If you have any further questions or wish to discuss any aspect of prison volunteering, you can contact the Department’s National Advisor: Volunteers as follows;
volunteering@corrections.govt.nz
(04) 495 8428
National Advisor: Volunteers
Department of Corrections
Private Bag 1206
Wellington 6140