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.

Research on justice-involved youth shows that lack of employment is one of the biggest predictors of justice system involvement and unsuccessful re-entry. Access to employment and job training opportunities can help youth avoid a lifetime of negative justice-related consequences.

To address statewide workforce challenges, SCDJJ seeks strategic partnerships to expand training in transferable skills that will benefit the economy of South Carolina. The long-term care facility called the Broad River Road Complex (BRRC) is an expansive, 200 acre, high security campus in Columbia, SC where SCDJJ aims to reclaim juveniles in the least restrictive environment. The average length of stay is between four(4) and thirteen(13) months. In addition to earning a High School Diploma or a GED, many committed youth seek gainful employment during their time at BRRC. The Agency currently offers a Young Craftsman Program, Upholstery Program, Welding class and several off-campus employment opportunities, but we know that expanded on-campus resources are needed for our youth to be “career-ready” with skills to meet the high demands of industry in South Carolina. SCDJJ’s campuses in Columbia and across the state of South Carolina offer unique opportunities for manufacturers. We have land, space and an eager workforce that will embrace any opportunity afforded to them.

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 DJJ Chaplaincy Manager Lovely Poitier at (803)896-0186 or lovelynpoitier@djj.sc.gov. 

Join Team DJJ.

The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice is always looking for highly qualified candidates with a heart for serving youth, families and the state of South Carolina. View current job openings and apply online.