Volunteer
with SACA
Strong social support helps build a healthy foundation for rehabilitation. Oftentimes, ex-offenders struggling to reintegrate into society have a distinct lack of pro-social peers to turn to for support and guidance. Initiated in 1997, the Volunteer After-Care Programme (VAP) provides opportunities for ex-offenders to be connected with volunteers for the purpose of building social connection and friendship.
ROLE OF A
VOLUNTEER
AFTER-CARE
OFFICER
We recruit and train Volunteer After-Care Officers (VAOs) to assist our clients under our Volunteer After-Care Programme, complementing other initiatives for them and their families that are conducted by our full-time social workers and case managers.
THE IMPACT OF BEING
A VOLUNTEER WITH SACA
When an ex-offender is released from prison, adapting to the realities of life can often times feel overwhelming and daunting. It is a crucial period when an ex-offender is at the greatest risk of re-offending, particularly if there is little to no family or prosocial support.
Volunteers have a meaningful part to play in this journey. By providing the guidance & help that may be lacking, it allows clients to feel supported and shows them that they are returning as accepted members of the community.
HEAR FROM OUR VOLUNTEERS:
VOLUNTEER PROGRAMMES
Through SACA's volunteer programmes below, you will be giving support to clients and/or their families:
Interest-based Befriending
SACA conducts interest-based befriending for female inmates presently serving sentence.
From craft-making to storytelling and more, interest-based befriending invites befrienders and inmates to build a bond & grow new skills over a shared activity.
1-1 Befriending
Returning back to society and the responsibilities of daily life can be a lonely & challenging experience.
1-1 befriending entails extending a listening ear, giving support & care where possible, and showing clients that they are returning as accepted members of the community.
Family Befriending
The impact of incarceration impacts not just the individual, but their loved ones as well.
The Family Befriending programme aims to provide first-time offenders and their families with the necessary support and connection to resources to navigate the new and uncertain journey. It will also look at ways of improving dynamics within the family & strengthening ties.
Initiative for Incarcerated Mothers
& Affected Children (IIMAC)
The effects of incarceration goes beyond the individual. Family members are also on the receiving end, and this includes the children and their stand-in caregivers.
Through home visits by social workers, case managers and volunteers, IIMAC specifically looks at ways to support incarcerated mothers, their children and assigned caregivers.
Singapore Prison Service-Family Service Centre Collaboration (SPS-FSC)
The SPS-FSC was added to further enhance SACA’s existing IIMAC initiative. With this new collaboration, support will now be extended to all other female inmates and their family members.
This collaboration helps bridge the gap between families and resources available for them, so that they can receive timely support and assistance from FSCs.
A SUPPORTED
VOLUNTEER JOURNEY
Throughout your volunteer journey, you will be supported and guided by SACA:
Training
All volunteers will be supported by training provided by both SACA & Singapore Prisons Services. These training sessions seek to develop the basic skills and competencies required for your volunteering journey, including useful sharing on theories and best practices.
Regular Check-ins
Through regular check-ins with the SACA Volunteer Team, volunteers are also given the opportunity to chat, discuss and connect with the team and other like-minded volunteers.
Workshops
SACA organises talks and workshops for volunteers to gain exposure to the work of other social sector agencies. Past workshops have included visits to agencies in the correctional sector and virtual talks by community partners.
Appreciation Events
As a way of thanks and appreciation for the hard work of our volunteers, SACA organises fun yearly events for volunteers to enjoy.
JOIN US AS
A VOLUNTEER
& MAKE A DIFFERENCE
We are looking for volunteers who are:
-
At least 23 years of age
-
Able to commit for at least two years
-
Patient and have a good listening ear
-
Genuine in wanting to help clients get back on their feet
The ability to speak a second language or dialect will be an added advantage. If you want to volunteer with us, email us and tell us why you want to be a SACA volunteer!
APPLICATION PROCESS
INTERVIEW
& SCREENING
PROCESS
SACA will schedule an interview to get to know you better.
VOLUNTEER
APPLICATION
REVIEW
Your application
will be reviewed
and processed.
TRAINING BY SACA
& PRISONS
Receive training from both SACA and Singapore Prisons Services.
ON-BOARD
AS A SACA
VOLUNTEER
Join the SACA family as a volunteer!