Volunteers

Step 1: Complete Application

Fill out the Volunteer Application. Submit it to the Volunteer Supervisor or Coordinator. Submit the application to the facility you would like to volunteer at.

Completing an application does not mean the application is approved. All applicants must complete the full screening and onboarding process. Approval is granted by JR and may be revoked at any time.

Step 2: Complete Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Training

The PREA helps prevent and address sexual misconduct in facilities. Volunteers working with young people must complete PREA training.

The training includes:

• Reviewing important policies.
  • Criminal Investigations Agency Responsibilities
  • JR Policy 5.90 Applying PREA Juvenile Standards in JR
• Signing required forms.
  • PREA Sexual Misconduct Disclosure
  • PREA Volunteer Acknowledgement Form
• Reading additional resources.
  • PREA Guide to the prevention and Reporting of Sexual Misconduct
  • PREA Requirements for Contractors Volunteers
• Watching a short training video.
  • Keeping Our Kids Safe (Part One and Part Two)

Step 3: Sign a Confidentiality Agreement

Volunteers must sign the Agreement on Nondisclosure of Confidential Information-Non Employee.

Step 4: Attestations (confirm)

All volunteers must confirm they have never been:

• Suspended or terminated from volunteering at a JR facility.
• Convicted of the following crimes:
  • Felony sex offenses.
  • Violent offenses as defined in RCW 9.94A.030.
  • Crimes under RCW 9A.44 (Sex Offenses) involving a young person in JR.

Step 5: Complete a Background Check

Volunteers that work with young people must complete a background check and fingerprinting process. You have two options to complete a background check.

Option 1: Paper Form Submission

• Complete the Background Check Authorization Form. Email the complete form to the Volunteer Coordinator.
• The coordinator will then submit it through the online Background Check System.

Option 2: Online Submission (Preferred Method)

• Complete the form online at: Background Check Authorization Online Form
• Once submitted, the system will generate a confirmation/control ID number.
• You will then send the control ID number and your date of birth to the Volunteer Coordinator.

• How to Complete the Background Check Online
• DCYF Form 09-132: Background Check Authorization (fillable PDF)
• DCYF Form 09-653: Fingerprint Instructions

If you have any questions, you can contact the Background Check Central Unit (BCCU):

• Email: bccuinquiry@dshs.wa.gov
• Phone: (360) 902-0299

Point of Contact

Your point of contact will be the Volunteer Supervisor or Coordinator at the facility where you plan to volunteer.

Volunteer Training and Checklists

Before becoming an approved JR volunteer, you must complete a training program. Please review the JR Volunteer Checklist DCYF 20-001. Policies apply to all JR employees, volunteers, interns, and work-study students.

Mandatory Reporting Requirements

As a volunteer, you have a legal duty to report any suspected child abuse or neglect.

Required Reading:

• Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect

Orientation

All volunteers must attend an orientation.

Entering Secured Facility

All volunteers must go through a Point of Entry (POE) Screening when arriving at Green Hill School, Echo Glen Children's Center, and Harbor Heights. Harbor Heights may require additional forms and longer approval processes for facility access.

POE screening includes:

• Millimeter Wave Scanner (body scan)
• Bag Scanner

Screening Process

Items and property:

• Only keys and identification are allowed at the POE of secured facilities.
• Bags with program supplies are not allowed unless pre-approved in writing.
• Small lockers are available at secure facilities for personal items.
• All other personal belongings should be left in your vehicle.

Screening:

• All personal items will be scanned upon entering a secure facility. Items include belts, shoes, and jackets.
• Wireless Portable Technology is NOT allowed. This includes:
  • Cell phones
  • Tablets
  • Laptops
  • Cameras
  • Smartwatches

If you need something for your service, it must be approved before entering the facility.

Prohibited Items:

The following items are not allowed at a JR facility:

• DRUGS, WEAPONS, or ALCOHOL
• SMOKING and VAPING DEVICES
• WEAPONS in VEHICLES (even on state property)
• FOOD or SNACKS (must be requested 30 days in advance)

Entering a Community Facility

When arriving at a Community Facility, please follow these important guidelines:

Entry Process

• Arrive at the main entrance. Staff will let you in.
• Facilities do not have a traditional lobby; entry opens directly into the main living area.

Entering a Regional Office

When visiting a Regional Office, please follow the process:

Check-In Process

• Arrive at the main reception desk or lobby. Let staff know who you are meeting with and why.

Security:

• Offices have security screening equipment, including walk-through scanners. You may be asked to remove personal items during screening. Items could include keys, phones, or belts.
• Many Regional Parole Offices are located in offices with other DCYF programs. Be mindful of the environment. Maintain professional conduct throughout your visit.
• Wait to be shown or directed where to go. Some areas are secure or restricted.

Appointments:

• Schedule visits in advance with your site contact or office staff.
• Unscheduled visits may result in longer wait times. These visits may need to be rescheduled.

Rights

As a volunteer, you have the right to:

• Work in a safe environment. You should be aware of any unsafe situations. You have the right to refuse unsafe work.
• Be supported and valued.
• Engage in meaningful work.
• Have a voice. Your ideas, feedback, and perspectives matter!
• Receive regular feedback Volunteers can request and expect feedback.

Responsibilities

• Be dependable
  • If you’re running late or unable to attend a scheduled session, let the facility know.
• Be flexible
  • Stay committed to your role while being adaptable to change.
• Follow policies
  • Follow DCYF and JR guidelines.
• Maintain safety and security
  • Safety or security is the priority. Be prepared to pause, cancel, or change activities.
• Report unusual behavior or suspicious behavior
  • If something feels off or makes you uncomfortable, tell staff.
• Let staff know if you know a young person from the community
  • Transparency helps ensure appropriate boundaries and supports staff decision-making.
• Share concerns and feedback
  • If you encounter challenges, have questions, or observe issues, let staff know. Staff may be able to help.
• Communicate with staff
  • Let staff know if you are planning to stop volunteering or leaving.

Rules

• Focus on group activities. Most of your time should be spent on group activities and discussions.
• Do not bring items for young people. Any approved items must go through official donation channels.
• Do not share personal information. Do not share social media, phone numbers, or email addresses.
• No physical contact

All activities must be approved or you may be responsible for losses or damage. Activities can include:

• Acting outside your assigned role.
• Violating policies.
• Making decisions without approval.

For legal details, see RCW 4.92.060 and RCW 4.92.070.

Record Keeping

Tracking Hours

Use the JR Volunteer Hours Tracking form to record your service hours:

• Record volunteer hours for each shift. Include the date and activity.
• Have the supervisor or coordinator initial the tracking sheet after each activity.

Submitting Volunteer Hours

Due Dates:

• Submit complete tracking form by the 10th of each month.
• Supervisors will then review and submit it to the appointing authority the 15th of each month.