NCJ Number
129858
Date Published
1991
Length
122 pages
Annotation
This manual explains the recruitment, selection, and training of volunteers for Philadelphia's Volunteer Court Accompaniment Program which is designed to provide support, information, and advocacy to child victims of physical and sexual abuse.
Abstract
Volunteer recruitment efforts include public service announcements; contact with senior citizen organizations, professional associations, student interns, churches, community groups, and community fairs; media presentations; and professional seminars. The selection process involves an application, a criminal history check, reference reports, and an interview. Each interviewer completes a comment sheet that lists the applicant's perceived strengths and weaknesses. In-coming volunteers are provided with approximately 14 hours of orientation training over 2 days. The training provides information on the criminal justice system, victim services, role plays of typical situations encountered while providing victims assistance, and volunteers' interactions with the victims and their family members. An information packet includes information on child abuse and practical suggestions for the support person. This manual provides information for the trainer and the materials included in the volunteer training packet. Sample forms and materials