1. JOBS
Encourage job stability,
punctuality, regular attendance productiveness, proper notice for employment
changes, regular employment and other job-connected responsibilities.
Assist in upgrading the under-employed who are not working up to his order
employment potential. Help generate interest and motivate the probationer
to participate in vocational training. Identify vocational interest
and aptitude through discussions and testing by local community resources
such as Texas Employment Commission, Texas Vocational Rehabilitation Commission,
Adult Education, Vocational Schools and other means.
2. EDUCATION
Encourage and motivate toward
completion of high school. Suggest regular academic pursuits or completion
of necessary requirements for General Equivalency (GED) Diploma.
Enrollment in college programs and other educational programs is important
when potential and interest is present.
3. LISTEN
One of the foremost qualifications
of a good one-to-one volunteer is the ability to be a good listener.
Much constructive therapy is administered through the art of merely allowing
a person to “talk out” his or her problems. The venting of feeling
offers great promise judgment and moralize. Determine his interests
and encourage him to channel them and his energies into socially acceptable
paths.
4. RELIGION
Religious and spiritual growth
can provide the ingredients for a balanced and secure future. Character
guidance and moral values which are grounded in religious beliefs, can
help strengthen the offender’s internal resources. Volunteers may
encourage church attendance and provide counseling in areas within the
offenders own denominational preferences. (VOLUNTEERS SHOULD NOT
PROPOUND THEIR OWN DENOMINATIONAL BELIEFS BUT LEAVE THIS TO THE OFFENDERS
OWN CHOOSING.)
5. INSPIRE
Pointing out strengths and
enthusiastic encouragement with an occasional “pat on the back” motivated
many people to do their very best. The offender is not exception
to the rule and he needs to experience some successes to bolster his ego,
instill pride, and inspire greater achievement. Good influence change
attitudes, appearance, mannerism, dress and other factors conducive to
good adjustment.
6. FRIEND
“In poverty and other misfortunes
of life, true friends are a sure refuge.” “The young they keep out
of mischief; to the old, they are comfort and aid in their weakness, and
those in prime of life they insight to noble deeds.” Aristotle
7. RESOURCES
Probationer’s seldom have
developed hobbies and healthy recreational pursuits or cultural interest.
Citizen volunteers can help broaden the offenders perspective and interest
through exposure to cultural events, sports programs and other community
activities which assist in self-improvement and enjoyment
8. ALCOHOL
The use of alcohol contributes
to the plight of many law violators. Encouragement toward attendance
at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, counseling with family, and fostering
self-control provide services to offenders.
9. NARCOTICS
The abuse of drugs is a growing
menace to the viability of our society especially in regard to the youth.
Counseling in prevention, control and the dangers of drug abuse are important
areas of concentration. New interests and associates can assist in
overcoming problems of drug addiction and alcoholism.
10. PERSONAL CONTACTS
Personal contacts are important
in rehabilitating criminal offenders. They need to know that someone
cares and is interested in their future. Often they have not had
the advantage of parental encouragement, direction, interest, or concern.
Frequent and regular office contacts by the volunteer helps solidify their
relationship, gain confidence and depict genuine interest.
The above suggestions are not all
inclusive and are intended to point out only a few areas of concentration.
One-to-one volunteers may be involved in any combination of the above and
in a host of other areas. By identifying the problems and assisting
the offender in arriving at constructive solutions, the volunteer can make
significant contributions in stabilizing the offender. |