| Volunteering
Volunteering your time and talents for a RSP can be a rewarding experience that benefits the chaplain, the detainees, and you. In fact, you may feel that you receive more than you give. Most likely, you will serve at the DHS detention facility closest to your home. To locate a facility, you should visit the Detention Watch Network’s interactive map of detention facilities or ICE’s list of detention facilities. The Detention Watch Network’s map lists many more facilities than ICE. Wherever you decide to volunteer, the chaplain in charge of the RSP will likely welcome volunteer assistance. You should know that Jesuit Refugee Service/USA supports RSPs at the following facilities: Buffalo FDF, El Centro SPC, El Paso SPC, and Florence SPC. Our partner organization, Church World Service (CWS) works at Krome SPC and Port Isabel SPC. |
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Getting Started (Washington, D.C.) May 1, 2011 — Volunteering your time and talents for a RSP can be a rewarding experience that benefits the chaplain, the detainees, and you. In fact, you may feel that you receive more than you give. Read this section to learn how to get started. Read more >> |
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Common Questions from Detainees (Washington, D.C.) May 1, 2011 — Teaches volunteers how to responsibly answer detainee questions about access to legal counsel and healthcare. Read more >> |
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Confidentiality (Washington, D.C.) May 1, 2011 — Volunteers must understand that respecting the confidentiality of the detained immigrant’s background and legal case is a high priority due to the sensitivity of legal proceedings and the detainee's own feelings. Read more >> |
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Contact Visits by Family & Friends (Washington, D.C.) May 1, 2011 — ICE/ERO Detention Standards limit the physical contact allowed between detainees and visitors. Read more >> |
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Dress Code for Visitors (Washington, D.C.) May 1, 2011 — ICE/ERO Detention Standards allow each detention facility to establish its own visitor dress code. Read more >> |
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Getting Acquainted with the Program (Washington, D.C.) May 1, 2011 — Volunteers considering service with a RSP can learn about basic logistics and guidelines. Read more >> |
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How to Organize a Group (Washington, D.C.) May 1, 2011 — First, determine the level of interest within your chosen community and select a few people that can serve as group leaders. The group leadership should discuss and determine the goals of volunteers. Then start recruiting a small group of committed volunteers that are interested in providing religious services to immigrants. Read more >> |
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Incoming Property & Funds for Detainees (Washington, D.C.) May 1, 2011 — ICE/ERO Detention Standards restrict the items that visitors can leave for detainees. Read more >> |
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Issues to Refer to Program Leaders (Washington, D.C.) May 1, 2011 — Some issues raised by detainees are beyond the role and responsibility of a volunteer. Volunteers should become know when to refer a problem to RSP staff or volunteer program leaders. Read more >> |
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More Ways to Get Involved (Washington, D.C.) May 1, 2011 — A list for volunteers searching for ideas to take their service further. Read more >> |
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Role of the Volunteer (Washington, D.C.) May 1, 2011 — Volunteers provide an important means of support for detained immigrants who often do not have friends or family nearby. Their role is one of friendship, goodwill, and concern for the detained individual's welfare. Read more >> |
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Violation of Visitation & Contraband Rules (Washington, D.C.) May 1, 2011 — ICE/ERO Detention Standards can punish the detainee and the visitor if either party breaks the visitation rules. Read more >> |
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Visitor Identification & Search Procedures (Washington, D.C.) May 1, 2011 — ICE/ERO Detention Standards mandate that visitors present a photo ID and comply with a personal search when visiting a facility. Read more >> |
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Visitor Log (Washington, D.C.) May 1, 2011 — ICE/ERO Detention Standards require visitors to sign a log book when entering the facility. Read more >> |
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Visitors — An Overview (Washington, D.C.) May 1, 2011 — ICE/ERO Detention Standards outline basic visitation guidelines that apply to volunteers. Read more >> |
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Visits – Hours & Time Limits (Washington, D.C.) May 1, 2011 — ICE/ERO Detention Standards specify when visitors can usually enter a detention facility and possible situations that might prevent visiting a facility. Read more >> |
