Application Procedures for Ex-offenders

(1) The Department recognizes that ex-offenders who have successfully transitioned to the community can serve as positive role models and utilize their unique experience and perspective to facilitate a wide variety of reentry related services. Ex-offenders seeking to volunteer in a state correctional institution may submit a completed standard volunteer application to that institution's Volunteer Services Coordinator. (2) If an applicant has a criminal history, the application may only be considered after at least six months since discharge from a correctional facility with no subsequent criminal convictions. Ex-offenders with post release supervision shall submit a letter of support from the supervising agency with the standard volunteer application. (3) Applicants must not be on the visiting card of any offender; the prospective volunteer must have been off the visiting card of any offender for a minimum of one year. (4) The Institutional Volunteer Services Coordinator shall review the application to determine the applicant's suitability and eligibility, taking into consideration such factors as the applicant's experience, qualifications, rationale for volunteering and commitment to a law-abiding lifestyle. The Institutional Volunteer Services Coordinator shall consider whether any proposed volunteer service is consistent with the identified needs of the institution and the offender population. Any applicant seeking to provide professional services shall be qualified, certified or licensed to provide such services. (5) All applications shall be processed in accordance with 103 CMR 485.09.