Becoming a Volunteer Minister at Robertson County Jail: Complete Application Guide
Robertson County Detention Facility accepts volunteer ministry applications, but you'll need to clear several steps before you can enter the facility. Here's what to submit, when to submit it, and what to expect along the way.
Robertson County Detention Facility runs a volunteer ministry program with a formal application process. If you're interested in serving inside the jail, expect strict qualifications - this isn't something you can just show up and start doing.
Jail Administration will run a background investigation before granting any access. You must receive security clearance first. Until that's approved, you won't be allowed into the facility as a ministry volunteer - even if you've already completed other parts of the paperwork.
Your application packet needs a letter from your sponsoring church. It must be on church letterhead with complete contact information - church name, address, and telephone number - and signed by the Pastor, Chairman of the Deacon's board, Church Trustee, or equivalent authority. The letter should also include the church's federally approved IRS tax exemption number. If your church doesn't have one, you'll still need the signed letter on letterhead from the appropriate church authority.
- ✓ Completed ministry application (including any section that must be notarized before you turn it in)
- ✓ Signed sponsoring church letter on church letterhead with full contact information
- ✓ Church’s federally approved IRS tax exemption number included in the letter (or the required signed letter even if no exemption number exists)
- ✓ Submission timing: make sure your application is completed at least 15 days before the orientation class date you’re requesting, so it can be processed and approved by the Jail Administrator
Once you submit your paperwork, Jail Administration runs a background investigation. You must be approved for security clearance before you can access the facility. If you're trying to plan a start date, build in time for this step - clearance has to be in place before any ministry access happens.
Training is mandatory before you can enter the facility as a ministry volunteer. Staff provide a four-hour training course, and you must complete it before access is granted. This isn't a one-time thing - you'll need to attend training annually to stay active in the program.
- Complete your application packet - fill out the official application and gather the required supporting documents.
- Choose your orientation date and work backward - your application must be completed at least 15 days before the orientation class date you request.
- Allow time for processing and approval - the 15-day lead time is there so the application can be processed, submitted, and approved by the Jail Administrator.
- Attend the four-hour training - you’ll take the class provided by facility staff; you’ll also need to attend training annually to remain eligible.
Prior convictions come with waiting periods. For a misdemeanor, at least 3 calendar years must pass after your sentence. For a felony, the minimum is 5 calendar years. Be ready to provide the date of your last sentence on your application so the facility can verify the required time has passed.
When your application and supporting paperwork are complete, mail the packet to: Cpl. L. Royer, Programs Robertson County Detention Facility 311 5th Avenue East Springfield, TN 37172
Before you volunteer: You'll agree to follow all facility rules and staff instructions. You'll also sign a release of liability, assuming responsibility for personal injury and releasing the Robertson County Sheriff's Office and Robertson County from any claims arising from your participation.
Find an Inmate at Robertson County Jail
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
