Connecticut State Department of Correction

Hospice and Palliative Care Program
Inmate Volunteer Program

Inmate Volunteer Program Admission Criteria

  • Minimum of two years before eligible for level reduction.
  • No Class A or B disciplinary reports during the past year.
  • No Class C disciplinary reports during the past 6 months.
  • No documented drug use during the past five years (includes refusal to give a specimen).
  • No suicide attempts during the past five years.
  • No conviction of a sexual offense or sexual misconduct/public indecency disciplinary report within the last 5 years.
  • No high security status.
  • No previous conviction of sexual abuse of a child.

Inmate Volunteer Program Training Curriculum

  • Hospice and its history.
  • Medical diseases, signs and symptoms, patient issues.
  • Effective communication, emotional and psychosocial needs.
  • Spiritual needs at end-of-life; cultural and religious diversity.
  • Grief and bereavement, care for the care-givers.
  • OSHA; Caring for each other.
  • AIDS, role of volunteer.
  • Graduation ceremony.

All training is provided at no charge to the Department by:
The National Prison Hospice Association - Connecticut Chapter.
Hospice and Palliative Care of Connecticut - East Hartford VNA.