Volunteer Opportunity: Parent Support Group Facilitator – Prison Groups
Location: Greater Boston Area (in-person at correctional facilities)
Commitment: 2 hours/week, 1-year minimum
About Parents Helping Parents (PHP)
Parents Helping Parents is a statewide network of support groups for people caring for children. Our mission is to empower parents to nurture children and build stronger families.
As part of our prison-based program, trained volunteers facilitate weekly support groups inside Massachusetts correctional institutions. These groups provide a trauma-informed, confidential, and non-judgmental space for incarcerated parents to explore their role as caregivers and build emotional connection with their children—no matter where they are on the parenting journey.
Current Correctional Facility Partners
Volunteers are needed for groups held at the following partner institutions:
Norfolk House of Corrections
Middlesex House of Corrections
Suffolk House of Corrections – Morning Group
Suffolk House of Corrections – Evening Group
Role Summary
Volunteer Parent Support Group Facilitators co-lead weekly groups inside correctional settings. Our groups follow a mutual aid model, where members support one another through shared experience, active listening, and collective wisdom—not a curriculum or parenting class.
Facilitators do not need to be parenting experts but must be able to create safe, consistent, and respectful spaces where all voices are heard.
Key Responsibilities
Administrative Responsibilities:
Coordinate attendance and waitlists with prison staff
Follow all correctional facility rules and policies
Monitor time and ensure group stays on track
Protect group confidentiality within institutional guidelines
In-Group Responsibilities:
Welcome and orient new group members
Reinforce group guidelines, confidentiality, and mutual respect
Encourage peer-to-peer support and foster emerging parent leadership
Volunteer Requirements
1-year minimum commitment (2 hours/week)
Facilitate one weekly in-person support group at a designated prison or jail
Complete 8-hour virtual PHP training
Attend required DOC volunteer training at assigned facility
Participate in quarterly virtual facilitator meetings
Monthly check-ins with PHP Support Groups Director
Submit required attendance and demographic data each quarter
Qualifications
Interest in trauma-informed, peer-led group work
Strong interpersonal and non-judgmental communication skills
Ability to navigate diverse group dynamics and remain calm under pressure
Comfort working in a prison or jail environment
Willingness to listen more than speak
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please complete the following:
