3.27 Juvenile Hall Volunteers

 

Chapter 3
Section 3.27
Subject 3.27 Juvenile Hall Volunteers
Effective Date 11/28/2023
  1. The purpose of this policy is to define the appropriate use of volunteers at the Juvenile Hall. The San Luis Obispo County Juvenile Hall partners with Restorative Partners to bring appropriate programing to the detained youth. 
  2. Volunteers are expected to embrace our departmental values of Professionalism, Humility, Diversity, Integrity, Respect and Empathy.  
  3. Volunteer services should enhance and support probation services.  
  4.  Volunteers not associated with a specific group/program shall be placed in activities based on the needs of the facility and their interests/capabilities/experiences.  
  5.  Volunteers working with youth must ensure behavior and conduct always conforms to the highest standards. Volunteers must always exercise good judgment while working with youth. It is critical that volunteers abide by departmental professional and ethical standards.
  6. Prior to assignment, each volunteer shall complete a facility orientation.  During the orientation, a walk-through of the facility will be scheduled; followed by the volunteer expectations/guidelines, Departmental values, and philosophy and emergency procedures.  All volunteers shall complete PREA training during the orientation. This orientation is scheduled in collaboration with Restorative Partners. 
  7. Volunteers shall be subject to the same standards of dress and behavior as Department employees. Dress and behavior guidelines are provided at the orientation.
  8. Volunteers for the San Luis Obispo County Probation Department may not disclose any information about any youth or person and his or her alleged crimes committed to anyone outside of the Juvenile Hall.  It is also important Volunteers not discuss any incidents that occur while at Juvenile Hall to anyone other than Probation Department employees and on a ‘need to know’ basis.
  9. Volunteers shall give notice to the on-duty supervisor, JSOIII, or acting shift leader regarding any kind of incident(s) involving a youth, staff member or other volunteer and provide written documentation when requested.
  10. All volunteers shall provide the Control JSO with approved photo identification upon entry to the facility. 
  11. Cell phones and other personal items will be locked in a locker or left in the visitor’s car.
  12. A volunteer may not be given any access to photos of activities that include youth detained in the Juvenile Hall, Coastal Valley Academy, or the SOAR program.
  13. All volunteers will be walked through the metal detector prior to entering the secured area.
  14. A Supervising Deputy Probation Officer (SDPO) will be assigned by the Chief Deputy to be a liaison to Restorative Partners and shall monitor and meet with program coordinator as needed. 
  15. Volunteers serve “at the will” of the Chief Deputy of the Custody Division and may be prohibited from volunteering with reasonable cause based on but not limited to the following:
    1. Breach of confidentiality
    2. Unlawful conduct
    3. Activity that threatens the order/safety/security of the facility
    4. Activity that threatens any person’s safety
    5. Poor attendance
  16. Unsatisfactory or inappropriate service(s)
    1. Volunteer Screening and Approval Process, Restorative Partners recruits, screens, and any prospective volunteers.
    2. Each person shall be at least 18 years of age.
    3. Volunteers shall complete a criminal background conducted by the department, a Live Scan before being approved to volunteer in the Juvenile Hall. 
    4. Orientation regarding mandatory reporting pursuant to Section 11166 of the Penal code.