Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Volunteer Approval Steps
For those who would like to go inside the prison, you may choose to complete the Texas Department of Criminal Justice "TDCJ" Application and Online training.
Alternatively, we can obtain special approval for you to go inside the prison to serve as a “Special Volunteer” (SV) on the next Kairos Weekend. Obtaining the training is recommended.
There are three simple steps to be approved as a Volunteer by the TDCJ:
Step 1. Complete TDCJ Application (will not be processed by TDCJ until TDCJ training is completed)
Step 2. Complete TDCJ Training
Step 3. Be Approved by the TDCJ (Requires #1 and #2)
It would be helpful to then let the Weekend Goree Leader know that you have been approved.
Detailed TDCJ Volunteer Application and Training Summary
Step #1: Complete Your TDCJ Volunteer Application
Please note that online TDCJ Volunteer Applications are not processed until the Volunteer Training is completed.
Hint: This is the most frequent question:
Question #5: “What program areas(s) are you interested in serving?”
Answer: Check Box “Other” and type in “Kairos”
Step #2: Complete Your TDCJ Volunteer Training
Once you complete your training, you will see a message in red stating
"Training Completed MO/DT/YEAR"
After you have successfully completed your Application and Training, the TDCJ will process your Application. Completing your training does not guarantee approval.
Step 3: Check on Your TDCJ Volunteer Approval Status
You can check back to check on your TDCJ Volunteer Status. Once you are approved, you will see a message:
"Congratulations Your Name! You have been approved as a TDCJ volunteer."
Then Cut and Paste this phrase or take a screen print and place it in an email and send it to:
kairosgoree@gmail.com
These guidelines may seem like "rules" to you, but they have come from Kairos' wisdom derived from years of experience inside the prison. Many of these guidelines come from the realization after not doing what is suggested how much a volunteer wished that they had not gotten started down a path that seemed OK at the beginning, but later they saw the "wisdom" of avoiding that particular path all together. So, think of these guidelines as the loving advice of an older brother or sister who wants the best for you and the ministry.
Do Not smuggle anything into or out of the Prison
You may not realize that you are smuggling when you bring anything in (including posters, letters, notes, etc.) and it goes to a resident, or if your bring such things out from residents. Everything should be disclosed to and preapproved in advance by the prison administration.
No Volunteer can be on a Visitation List
Kairos volunteers are not allowed to serve in Kairos and also be on an inmate's visitation list.
No Metal or Glass Objects
You are not allowed to bring metal (including notebooks with spiral bindings) or glass objects (including food seasoning bottles). Both metal and glass objects can be fashioned into weapons.
Do Not Give or Accept Anything from a Resident
This includes notes, poems, songs, addresses, phone numbers, magazines, photos, posters, birthday cards - nothing! And, likewise, it is NOT OK to hand any material to a resident. If confronted with a request to take something, always suggest checking it out with security or the chaplain first. That will usually end the request.
Do Not Purchase Anything from a Resident
Not even through a prison approved procedure. Your relationship is a spiritual one, and it is most significant when money is not involved in any way. The prohibition includes Bible Covers.
Do Not Pass Messages for Residents
Never agree to pass messages from a resident to outsiders, or vice versa. You do not know the situation, and you may be passing a hidden message. The residents know that you are not supposed to do this. If you do it once, more and more will be asked of you in the future. It is best to never start.
Do Not Mail Letters for Residents
There is an approved process for a resident to mail a letter or package. If you take a letter and mail it for the resident, you are assisting in going around the prison's security review of mail.
Religious Materials Must Come thru the Chaplain
All religious materials that are to be given to a resident must be routed to the Chaplain, who will make the appropriate arrangement to get the materials to the resident after review. This includes devotionals, neat internet stuff, and even Bibles.
Honor the Warden's Authority
You are an invited guest in the Warden's "house." The Warden has the authority to set the rules and procedures for his/her house. Do not resist or complain about their rules, or you may not be invited back to their house!