Typical VIP Duties
- Serving as a case aide, to assist a Deputy Probation Officer with a caseload of probationers by checking school attendance, helping with clerical duties, and other activities under staff supervision.
- Being a "big brother" or "big sister" to an incarcerated juvenile, by providing tutoring or teaching the young person a skill.
- Providing translation for Spanish-speaking or Vietnamese-speaking probationers or family members (and, to a lesser degree, translations in other languages).
- Visiting youths in juvenile facilities as a general visitor, to cut hair, coordinate recreational activities, create arts-and-crafts projects, or conduct programs.
- Providing valuable resource information by serving as guest speakers conducting presentations on peer pressure, anger management, gangs, and drug abuse.
- Serving as a guest speaker on panels such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Alanon.
Minimum Requirements for VIP Applicants
- Attend a volunteer information meeting
- Be a minimum of 21 years old
- Be a legal U.S. Resident
- Posses a valid social security card
- Posses a valid driver's license or government ID
- Pass background investigation
Steps to Become a VIP
- Attend a Volunteer Information meeting
- Complete application and reference forms
- Attend a one-hour screening interview
- Provide results of tuberculosis test
- Provide Social Security Card
- Provide valid California Driver License
- Provide current automobile insurance
- Submit fingerprints via Live Scan
- Pass background investigation
Prospective VIPs can learn more about the Probation Department and opportunities to volunteer at a Volunteer Information Meeting. These meetings are held at the department's training headquarters at 1001 S. Grand Avenue in Santa Ana.
All attendees will need to RSVP prior to the meeting via the Event Brite website. To RSVP and see a list of upcoming dates click here.
