NCJ Number
83563
Date Published
1982
Length
128 pages
Annotation
The manual provides guidelines for agencies planning to implement a victim-witness assistance program using elderly volunteers. Based on a survey of 30 programs, 6 site visits, and interviews with gerontologists and other professionals, the manual covers program planning and operation and catalogs 15 volunteer programs.
Abstract
Program planning begins with staff decisions on the type of services to provide (previctimization, emergency response to victims, followup response, witness education, witness support services, victim INVOLVEMENT in court procedures). Planning also involves selecting types of crime victims to be served and identifying community services already available for victims and witnesses. Once an expanded list of potential services is developed, staff should appoint a volunteer coordinator for recruiting, screening, training, and supervising elderly volunteers. Program design includes setting objectives, developing job descriptions, and arranging for supplies and training materials. The manual sets out procedures for all of these operations and makes suggestions for matching volunteers with assignments. Special considerations for supervising the older volunteer are reviewed, as are issues surrounding rewards for volunteer service. The catalog of 15 programs describes services, organization, and volunteer recruiting and training techniques, and provides telephone numbers and addresses of persons to contact. More than 50 references are provided. Appendixes include a sample job description for a volunteer coordinator, a guide for developing job descriptions, a summary rating scheme for interviews, a training agenda, personnel policies for volunteers, sample recordkeeping forms, and suggestions for recognition of volunteers.