Programs at Etowah County Detention Center: Volunteering, the IMPACT Program, and the Influence Program
Trying to volunteer at Etowah County Detention Center? Or helping a loved one figure out what programs are actually available? A few details make all the difference. Here's who to contact, what volunteer screening involves, and the current eligibility rules for IMPACT and Influence.
If you have questions about detention center programs or you want to volunteer, start with the Program Section supervisor. At Etowah County Detention Center, that supervisor is Sgt. Carrie McClung. You can contact Sgt. McClung by phone at 256-549-2194.
- Complete the volunteer application - This is the first required step for anyone who wants to volunteer with detention programs.
- Do the interview - After you apply, you’ll be interviewed as part of the screening process.
- Pass the background investigation - Volunteers must go through a background investigation before they can be approved to serve.
Tip: Plan for the background investigation to take some time. It helps to have your identifying information and any requested documents ready so the process doesn’t stall.
The IMPACT inmate program has strict eligibility limits. Due to high demand and limited resources, it currently only accepts people who are court-ordered from courts of the 16th Judicial Circuit. If someone is interested in IMPACT but wasn't court-ordered through the 16th Judicial Circuit, they won't be accepted.
The Influence Program has its own selection process inside the jail. Inmates selected for Influence are nonviolent offenders who volunteer for the role. Before they're cleared to participate, they go through a background check and must be approved by jail administration.
Next Steps Volunteers Families
- ✓ Call Sgt. Carrie McClung (Program Section supervisor) at 256-549-2194
- ✓ Ask how to complete the volunteer application
- ✓ Prepare for the required interview
- ✓ Expect to go through the required background investigation
When you call about volunteering, ask what opportunities are currently open and how long the process typically takes after you apply. Screening includes an application, interview, and background investigation, so it helps to know the order and what documents they'll need from you. If your real question is about getting someone into the IMPACT program, ask about eligibility first. IMPACT only accepts court-ordered participants from courts of the 16th Judicial Circuit, so that detail matters from the start.
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