Criminal Justice Volunteerism

Abstract This study compared the personal characteristics, motivations for entering volunteer work, activities, problem situations encountered, and rewarding experiences of volunteers in adult and juvenile justice agencies. Five hundred forty-five volunteers from twenty-six agencies across the United States were represented. Volunteers with juveniles were likely to be female, 21 to 30 years old, white, well-educated, professional, and married. Among volunteers with adults, males and females were almost equally represented, but the other characteristics were identical to those of the juvenile justice volunteers. Both types of volunteers found their greatest satisfaction in the opportunity to help others and their community. The volunteers' chief activities included offering friendship, counseling, and providing transportation for clients. Poor communication between volunteers and agency personnel was highlighted as the greatest problem area. The volunteers experienced their greatest satisfaction from knowi...