Adult felons are the most difficult group to attract volunteers for, but they are the group of offenders most in need of assistance. Adult felons have been the last to receive volunteer assistance, even though they were historically the first to be exposed to volunteer programs. Lay visitors in early 19th century England were the first volunteers to work with these individuals. Religious groups and correctional service agencies have played an important role in the development of volunteer programs for felons. Ex-offender groups, such as New Careers, and legal assistant volunteers also address the special needs of these offenders. Concerning training and supervision of volunteers, five principles tend to increase their effectiveness. Volunteers should develop the capacity to withstand provocative behavior, listen to the offenders, give the offenders meaningful relationships with adults they can trust, accept the offenders without being judgmental, and refrain from giving advice. Footnotes, learning exercises, and about 40 references are provided. For the rest of the series, see NCJ 83347-54, 83356-57, and 62914.