The Orange County Probation Department is one of the most respected Criminal Justice agencies in California utilizing efficient and research supported correctional practices to protect the community.  Become a Volunteer in Probation and gain valuable experience working with Adult and Juvenile Offenders.

VIPs can assist by:

• Serve as a case aide to a Deputy Probation Officer with a caseload of clients by checking school attendance, helping with clerical duties, and other activities under staff supervision.
• Provide tutoring assistance or teach a specific skill(s) to youth.
• Provide translation assistance to employees, clients, and their family members.
• Visit youth in juvenile facilities and participate in programming such as culinary arts, cosmetology, recreational activities, arts-and-crafts, etc.
• Provide valuable resource information by serving as a guest speaker on varying topics such as career planning, time management, and finances.
• Depending on the availability of open assignments, provide administrative assistance to various functions such as fiscal, research, and communications.  

To Become a VIP, You Need to Be 21 Years Old and Complete the Following Steps:

1)  Attend Volunteer Information Meeting (VIM) *
2)  Ability to provide the following documents:
     •   Government issued identification (i.e. Driver’s License, U.S. passport)
     •   Social Security Card
     •   Application and two Reference forms
     •   Proof of legal residence in U.S.
     •   Proof of Auto Insurance (your name must appear on the policy)
     •   Tuberculosis (TB) skin test result (valid if within the last 12 months)
3)  Successful completion of background investigation
4)  Orientation 

Interested applicants can learn more about the Probation Department and opportunities to volunteer by attending a virtual VIM.

    *Applicants interested in volunteering with the religious services need to contact the ministries listed below prior to attending the VIM:

   •    Catholic Detention Ministry (714) 282-4265 
   •    Protestant Chaplaincy Ministry (714) 935-6365 

Review dates below for the 2026 calendar year. RSVP by clicking here.

Meeting link will be emailed to all who RSVP their attendance one day prior to the meeting date.

2026 Volunteer Information Meetings 

• Wednesday, January 14 at 5:30pm
• Wednesday, February 11 at 5:30pm
• Wednesday, April 22 at 5:30pm
• Wednesday, May 20 at 5:30pm (Final meeting for fall 2026 college internships)
• Wednesday, June 17 at 5:30pm
• Wednesday, August 12 at 5:30pm
• Wednesday, September 9 at 5:30pm
• Wednesday, October 21 at 5:30pm (Final meeting for spring 2027 college internships)