22. May 2009
The purpose of engaging volunteering persons is for as many people as possible to assist and support the preservation of the social ties between the society and the persons detained in the prison and to offer religious activities and pastoral care. The purpose is to reduce recidivism.
It is possible to volunteer in all of the Estonian prisons:
- Harku (juvenile and adult female detainees);
- Murru (adult male detainees);
- Tallinn (adult male detainees, custodials);
- Tartu (male and female custodials, male detainees);
A volunteer is a person who, at his/her own free time and without pay, visits a person in prison and supports the person during his/her stay there.
The volunteer work forms in prison are individual work and team/ group work.
Individual work means the regular meetings between the volunteer and the detainee.
Team work means: a discussion group on a set topic; a lecture or training; a religious service or other religious event; other common activity that may include prison employees or other persons.
Team work may require a certain time and a certain number of participants, depending on its type. Team work may also be carried out in a regularly meeting open group where all prison detainees may join in depending on their wish and opportunities.
Requirements for the volunteer
- at least 18 years old
- has at least secondary education (the prison may choose to ignore this requirement)
- has no criminal record (the prison may choose to ignore this requirement)
Volunteer performing religious service
must be a member of a church or congregation and has the recommendation of the church or congretation and the permission of the chief prison chaplain to work in the prison.
Becoming a volunteer
The person who wants to become a volunteer in a prison, must:
- inform either the suitable prison's social department of the Estonian Church Council (or the leader of his/her church, congregation) of his/her wish;
- present an application, a copy of the passport and a document certifying his/her education
- undergo the training by the prison which teaches the prison's internal regulations and the rights and duties of the volunteer
The volunteer performing religious services must also present to the chief prison chaplain a recommendation by the church of congregation which also includes the characterization of the volunteering person
The prison will decide on the basis of the documents presented by the volunteering candidate and the discussion held with the prison representative, whether the volunteering candidate is suitable for working in the prison as a volunteer.
