To get inside the gates for any GIU event, the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC) requires all regular volunteers to obtain a Blue Volunteer Card. This card is your "all-access pass" for 12 months, but it cannot be issued until you complete the PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) training.
Here is a quick breakdown of why this 1-hour class is a non-negotiable requirement for joining us behind bars:
The Prison Rape Elimination Act is a federal law established to prevent, detect, and respond to sexual abuse and harassment in correctional facilities. NCDAC is legally mandated to ensure that every person who enters the facility—whether they are a guard, a contractor, or a volunteer—understands these safety standards.
The primary goal of the class is to educate you on the Department’s Zero Tolerance Policy. As a volunteer, you are an extension of the facility's mission to provide a safe environment. The training ensures you can recognize warning signs and understand the boundaries required to keep both yourself and the residents safe.
In a prison setting, information is a critical safety tool. The PREA class teaches you exactly how to handle sensitive information. If a resident confides in you or if you witness something concerning, you must know the legal and professional protocol for reporting it immediately to the proper authorities.
The training covers "Undue Familiarity," helping you navigate the complex social dynamics of a correctional environment. It prepares you to be a supportive mentor while maintaining the professional distance necessary to protect the integrity of the ministry and the security of the facility.
Grace It Up Prison Ministry