DuPage County Probation and Court Services

Volunteer Opportunities

Objective

The Volunteers in Probation Program seeks to increase the communities awareness of the Criminal Justice System by having individuals apply their educational knowledge and practical life experiences to the areas of Adult Probation, Juvenile Probation and Juvenile Detention.

Overview

The Adult Division provides supervision for offenders (ages 17 and up) placed on Probation by the Courts, as well as performs a number of other court-related functions. At any given time, the Adult Division is responsible for the supervision of approximately 4,000 felony offenses and misdemeanor cases. In addition to general cases, officers supervise and number of specialty caseloads including, Youthful Offender, Sex Offender, Mental Health, Community Service, Investigations, DUI/Specialized Drug and Inter/Intra-state Transfers.

The Juvenile Division provides supervision for juvenile offenders as well as performing a number of other functions such as Preliminary Conferences, investigations, Home Detention monitoring, Intensive Supervision, Family Therapy, foster, residential, and/or group home placement.

The Detention Facility is a 24-hour, maximum-security facility where juveniles, ages 10 through 16, are held in temporary custody, pending action by the Court. Although the primary purpose of the facility is secure custody, the Detention Facility also provides cognitive-behavioral interventions, schooling and rehabilitative opportunities.

Training

Department and division orientation sessions are required. Trained staff will provide on-the-job training. Additional training opportunities may also be available through the Department.

Supervision

An assigned staff person will provide ongoing supervision with consultation available from an immediate supervisor and/or the Intern/Volunteer Coordinator.

Commitment

Volunteers should be willing to invest a minimum of three hours per week for a minimum period of 100 hours.

Typical Duties of a Volunteer

Researching resources to match offenders needs
Prepare, maintain and close files.
Computer entry of offender data.
Providing educational help to offenders
Interviewing offenders and victims.
Verify criminal background through computer checks, LEADS, police departments, Clerk's offices, etc.
Provide information for and help prepare reports for the Court.
Write case notes, and reports.
File and deliver reports and Court documents.
Assess offender needs and develop a plan of intervention.
Make appropriate referrals for counseling services and community programs.
Provide support to offenders, victims, families and foster parents.
Provide crisis intervention when necessary.
Maintain effective working relationships with other divisions and collateral agencies.
Assist with home visits.
Participate in agency staffing.
Learn and apply the concepts of Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention.
Provide individual guidance and assist in making the Detention residents' experience a positive experience.

How to Apply

View Volunteer Application Form

View Background Check Release Form

Complete the Volunteer Application Form and sign the Background Check release form online, print them out, sign them, and mail or fax to Steven Wolfe. If you have any questions please contact Steven Wolfe directly.

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Contact

Steven Wolfe
Intern/Volunteer Coordinator
Probation and Court Services
18th Judicial Circuit - DuPage County

(630) 407-8416
Fax - (630) 407-8501
E-mail: steven.wolfe@dupageco.org