(a) Purpose. This rule establishes a volunteer program within the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) to expand youth opportunities for educational and recreational experiences and to provide youth with increased social interactions.
(b) Community Resource Councils. Community resource councils are established to support the youth committed to TJJD. Community resource councils are organized as nonprofit corporations with tax-exempt status. The councils' role includes:
  (1) informing the community about TJJD;
  (2) informing TJJD of community interests and concerns;
  (3) promoting volunteer/community engagement; and
  (4) generating community resources to benefit youth committed to TJJD.
(c) Volunteer Program.
  (1) The manager of community programs administers TJJD's volunteer program.
  (2) A qualified community relations coordinator oversees the volunteer program at each TJJD-operated facility and parole office.
  (3) Volunteers must successfully complete all screening and application processes, including:
    (A) submitting to a criminal background check in accordance with §385.8181 of this title;
    (B) providing fingerprints;
    (C) providing personal character references; and
    (D) participating in an interview.
  (4) Volunteers are recruited and selected from various cultural and socioeconomic segments of the community.
  (5) Every TJJD-operated residential facility and parole office must use volunteers to enhance rehabilitation efforts for youth.
  (6) Volunteers are oriented to the TJJD program and receive training before being assigned to work with youth.
  (7) Volunteers must agree in writing to abide by federal and state laws and TJJD policies and rules concerning confidentiality of youth information.
  (8) Volunteers are officially registered and provided proper identification as volunteers.
  (9) Volunteers may not perform professional services for TJJD unless certified or licensed to perform those services.
(d) Youth as Volunteers. Qualified youth are encouraged and provided assistance to participate in volunteer activities in the community.
(e) Employees as Volunteers. Employees may participate in volunteer activities in accordance with TJJD's policies and procedures.

Source Note: The provisions of this §385.8145 adopted to be effective December 31, 1996, 21 TexReg 11819; amended to be effective August 19, 2002, 27 TexReg 7545; transferred effective June 4, 2012, as published in the Texas Register June 22, 2012, 37 TexReg 4639; amended to be effective December 1, 2016, 41 TexReg 8632