Warwickshire News Mine

Since 2002, courts across Warwickshire have referred young people, who have appeared in court for the first time on a lesser offence and pleaded guilty, to Youth Offending Panels.

These panels, made up of staff from the Youth Offending Service and volunteers from the local community, work with a young person and their family to create a contract of work to help the young person make up for the crime they have committed and reduces the risk of them re-offending.

Every year, the Youth Offending Service looks for new volunteers to step forward and become panel members. Following an interview and training course between 25 and 27 September, they can work on Youth Offending Panels throughout the county.

Heather Shilling, Operations Manager (interventions) for the Youth Offending Service, said: “Members of the community are so important in helping to prevent youth crime.

“I am always amazed by the commitment and dedication of volunteers - their local knowledge is invaluable, the service they provide really helps those affected by crime and they do a great job.

“The role won’t take up lots of your time but it can make a real difference to communities and of course to young people and the victims of crime.”

Members of the Youth Offending Panel are required by the Youth Justice Board to undertake the equivalent of seven days training before they can participate in panels.

Panel members should be over 18 years of age and have patience, good judgement and objectivity, good listening and communication skills, commitment, availability and reliability, and the ability to relate to young people. They should also, in most situations, have a full driving licence. All suitable volunteers undertake an Enhanced Criminal Bureau check.

If you are interested in becoming a panel member contact Jo Mann or Aimee Williams at the Warwickshire Youth Offending Service on 01926 736200.

To find out more about the Youth Offending Service, visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/yot.

Link to WCC