– Spanish speakers, as well as speakers of other languages are highly desired. A working proficiency in Spanish is preferred, but not required. We have a limited number of English-only spots on each jail visit (typically 1-2 spots).

– All volunteers must attend a virtual jail visit training (1.5 hours).

– You must complete the volunteer signup form, National Sex Offender Public Website name search consent form, various Department of Justice forms, and a Caroline Detention Facility background release form (if attending a Caroline jail visit).

– Jail policy only permits U.S. citizens, green card holders, and people with certain valid visas to enter the facilities. Because of the background checks, jail visit volunteers must also have a Social Security Number. If you are on a visa or have another status in the U.S., please let us know.

– You will be required to submit a COVID-19 vaccine self-certification form proving you are fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.

Volunteers must be in the jail parking lot by 7:45 am for the Caroline Detention Facility and by 8:45 am for the Farmville Detention Center. Jail visits begin at 8 am for Caroline Detention Facility and 9 am for the Farmville Detention Center and typically conclude at 5 pm. If you are local to the DC area, you can expect to leave for the jail around 5-5:30 am and get home between 7-9 pm. Volunteers who can commit to multiple visits per year are preferred.

If you have a car and are willing to carpool with other volunteers, please let the volunteer team know when you sign up. If you do not have a car and will need a ride, you should also let the volunteer team know so that we can help connect you with those who are willing to carpool. Since Amica Center staff attend two-day jail visits, we cannot provide transportation for volunteers to and from one-day jail visits. We will need volunteers with cars to help us transport other volunteers on one-day jail visits.

You will conduct intakes with people who are detained and deliver follow-up messages to people our team has spoken to before. Usually this will be in Spanish, though at times it will take place in English or another language. Regardless, there will always be Amica Center Legal Orientation Program staff available to guide you through the visit and answer questions.

A 1.5 hour long virtual training is mandatory for all new jail visit volunteers.