Become a DJJ volunteer, mentor or intern.

The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Volunteer Services program mobilizes citizens as volunteers to assist with the rehabilitation of young offenders and at-risk youth. Whether it’s through tutoring, mentoring, religious guidance, supplementary supervision, or other support, volunteers provide much-needed enrichment and encouragement to at-risk youth.

Mentors serve as positive role models for youth and encourage success and character development through personal one-on-one interaction. Mentors are paired up with youth at DJJ secure facilities and then meet regularly one-on-one to talk, play board games and offer support and guidance. Click the YouTube link to the right to hear how one of our long-time mentors is empowering youth for the future.

College students seeking practical experience while earning academic credit are welcome to apply for an internship. Interns are able to gain on-the-job experience from many disciplines, including criminal justice, social work, psychology, education, and physical education. Working with full-time DJJ staff, interns gain valuable, practical experience in the juvenile justice field and exposure to other related disciplines. Candidates must be referred to DJJ by their instructor or department chair in writing as far in advance as possible of the semester they wish to work; lead time to apply and be processed for acceptance can be up to 6 weeks.

For information on specific volunteer, mentor or internship opportunities, contact our Volunteer Services Office at (803)896-9583 or VolunteerServices@djj.sc.gov.

Become a workforce partner.

Read about our Career Readiness Center to learn more about how we're preparing youth for their careers and how you and your business can join in that effort.

Donate materials to DJJ youth work programs.

For over a decade, Youth Work Programs have been available to youth committed to the Broad River Road Complex - the Agency's long-term facility for youth ages 12-19. The youth work programs provide a realistic work environment where youth fill out an application, are interviewed, and if all goes well, are granted a position in one of the programs.

DJJ youth work programs run largely off donated materials. DJJ is always looking for the following items to keep programs operational: upholstery fabric, scrap wood, furniture and carpentry tools/machinery.

Join DJJ's Youth Faith Alliance.

SCDJJ takes a holistic approach to empowering youth – meeting their individual physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs.

We are looking for faith-based organizations to join DJJ in helping heal youth and communities in South Carolina. To do so, we formed the DJJ “Youth Faith Alliance” – a network of churches and organizations partnering with DJJ to provide Safe Harbor, prayer, donations and other services to youth, families and our Agency. Our young people need safe places to go where they can be encouraged, protected and cared for amidst the storms of life. The weeks and months directly following release from our facilities are critical to the long-term success of our youth.

From recovery/addiction services, tutoring and family counseling, to job training and recreation activities, we hope to leverage our collective resources to protect troubled youth from recidivating and ultimately empower them for the future. If you’re interested in learning more about joining DJJ’s Youth Faith Alliance and serving South Carolina’s youth, contact Dr. Jermaine Gordon at: jermainedgordon@djj.sc.gov.