Volunteering is an interesting and satisfying way to give back to the community. You can offer your services in a number of ways, as the following options below show.

Please note that Corrections Victoria does NOT employ volunteers.

Independent Prisoner Visitor Scheme

Volunteers provide the Minister for Corrections with independent advice on prison operations from the perspective of an independent, community observer. The position requires the observation of prison routines, positive initiatives or concerns raised by prisoners, staff and visitors, in particular issues relating to prison management and operation.

Find out more about the Independent Prisoner Visitor Scheme, which is managed by the Justice Assurance and Review Office (JARO), which is separate from Corrections Victoria.

Victorian Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders

As a not-for-profit organisation, Victorian Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders (VACRO) (External link) depends on the generous work of its volunteers. Volunteers range from 18 to 72 years of age and come from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds. Tasks include administration, working on community projects, conducting research and mentoring.

Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO)

ACSO provides offenders with a second chance to reintegrate into society, which can actively reduce crime and make a safer community for all. For placement and volunteer opportunities please register (External link).

Jesuit Social Services 

Jesuit Social Services works to build a just society where all people can live to their full potential - by partnering with community to support those most in need and working to change policies, practices, ideas and values that perpetuate inequality, prejudice and exclusion. As a volunteer you have an opportunity to actively contribute to the services and programs, how to help (External link).

Melbourne City Mission

We work with the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our society. From children living with a disability, or young people with nowhere to call home, to people who need assistance into education or employment, we work alongside them, so they can build a better future for themselves. A fantastic way of making a real difference in your community is to volunteer with us (External link).

Prison Fellowship Victoria

Prison Fellowship Victoria is a vibrant Christian ministry, caring for prisoners, ex-offenders and their families throughout the State. Find out how to be involved on their website (External link).

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army runs a huge range of community programs and services in areas such as court and prison services, homelessness, domestic violence, counselling, youth issues, emergency relief, and aged care. Each of these programs requires dedicated and committed people both on the front line and behind the scenes. Volunteer roles are determined by each Salvation Army centre or corps (community church) and are developed to meet the specific needs of each different program or service. This means that there is often a diverse range of volunteer opportunities available - from business analysts, gardeners, and chefs to receptionists and mentors.

Visit the Salvation Army website (External link).

Court Network

Trained volunteers provide emotional support and information about the court process to people going to court. This service is available onsite in the Supreme, County, Coroners, Family, Children's, and Melbourne and regional Magistrates' courts.

Visit the Court Network website (External link).

Women and Mentoring

Women and Mentoring supports women and non-binary people facing criminal charges, at risk of offending or in contact with the legal system, and who are identified as needing additional support to improve their outcomes. Through the provision of a formal mentoring relationship with a screened and trained volunteer, participants are able to identify and work towards achieving their individual goals.  Volunteer mentors benefit from receiving ongoing support, training and professional development so they are skilled and prepared for the role.  

Find out more about becoming a volunteer mentor at the Women and Mentoring website (External link).

Justice of the peace or bail justice

Justices of the peace provide document witnessing and certification services to the community, both during and outside business hours. Bail justices primarily work outside business hours and on weekends to conduct hearings in relation to applications for bail or remand and applications for interim accommodation orders relating to children.

Find out more about becoming a justice of the peace or bail justice (External link).

Volunteering in Victoria

In addition to the opportunities listed above, there are many more volunteer opportunities in Victoria. Learn about the diverse ways you can help contribute to Victoria's social, economic, cultural and environmental fabric at the Volunteer.vic website (External link).