The goals of the IDOC Volunteer Program are to: 

• Enhance and expand services for residents
• Partner in the management and assistance of resident reentry efforts
• Recruit and retain volunteers
• Encourage and model positive, pro-social behavior and values
• Foster a culture that embodies quality volunteer services integrated into IDOC strategic goals, objectives, and priorities

The IDOC's Volunteer Program is a key component in accomplishing our mission to create a correctional system that provides opportunities that reflect community experiences and foster connections. There are a wide variety of opportunities for volunteer service including, but not limited to, teaching a religious or secular class, leading a religious service, facilitating a self-help program, providing tutoring or other education assistance, supplementing vocational training opportunities, or donating much needed items. 

There are two types of volunteers - Limited Service and Regular with two levels of regular volunteers: Level 1 and Level 2. 

• Limited Service volunteers, when approved, are allowed to come in to the facilities up to four times (4x) per calendar year, typically for a special event such as a concert or presentation, etc. A Limited Service application is completed, a background check done, and approved by the facility administration. IDOC Volunteer training attendance is not required for Limited Service volunteers. 
• Regular volunteers are individuals who desire to come in a facility on a scheduled, regular basis for a variety of volunteer activities. A New Volunteer application is completed, a background check done, and approval by the administration. Attendance at an IDOC Volunteer Training is required and once/calendar year to continue as a regular volunteer. 
  • Level 1 - all new volunteers begin their volunteer service as a Level 1 and then, after about 24 hours of working with the population (10 hours for a CRC), the volunteer can request to move to a Level 2 status.
  • Level 2 - once a Request for Level 2 Status is approved by the facility administration, a "green" volunteer badge will be issued for the volunteer and kept at the facility where they are volunteering. If volunteering at more than one facility, a volunteer badge is issued for each facility the volunteer is approved to enter.

We encourage volunteers (individuals and organizations) to provide services, classes, or activities that will directly benefit the population and assist them in preparing for their return to society. If you have an idea or would like to propose an activity, we would love to hear about it. This Proposal Form will help us determine if your idea is something we can accommodate in our facilities. Please fill it out as completely as possible and provide us with as much information as you can. 

Areas where volunteers can be pivotal to providing enhanced and supplemental services to residents:

Visit New Volunteer Requirements to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

IDOC Volunteer Portal 

 IDOC staff for all volunteer services and activities in prison facilities: