Business as usual for Panel Members
Volunteers Week is at an end but the practice continues as usual for panel members from Warwickshire’s Youth Offending Service.
Since 2002, youth courts across Warwickshire started to refer young people – who had appeared in court for the first time and pleaded guilty – to Youth Offending Panels. These are made up of trained volunteers from the local community and a member of the Youth Offending Team.
The panel meets with the young person who has committed the crime, their parents or guardians and wherever possible the victim, to draw up a tailor-made contract stating how they will make up for what they’ve done, and to stay out of trouble in the future.
Sue Sweeney is a volunteer panel member from Warwick. She said it is a very worthwhile experience: “I feel that the panel meeting can give the young person an opportunity to speak for themselves and take responsibility for their actions and realise the consequences of their offending.
“It can be very moving, especially when the young person realises their actions not only affect the victim, but also his or her own family. Each Panel is different and brings very different challenges – although it can be tough, it’s also very rewarding.”
Heather Shilling, Operations Manager (Interventions) at the Youth Offending Service, said: “Panel members play a vital role in the community by helping young people make amends for the crime that they have committed, and steer them away from re-offending.
“They really do a tremendous job in helping to turn around the young person’s life and that of the area in which they live. If you think you could do that, please get in touch with us as we are always on the look out for extra volunteers.”
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer panel member or would like more information about the Youth Offending Service, visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/yot.