Youth Justice Service calls for community volunteers
Warwickshire’s Youth Justice Service is reminding residents about a chance to help steer young people away from a life of crime and anti-social behaviour.
The county council-led service is looking for community volunteers from Nuneaton and Bedworth, and Rugby to become Panel Members, who will work with 10 to 17-year-olds in their local area.
Since 2002, youth courts in England and Wales have been referring young people, who have appeared in court for the first time and pleaded guilty, to Youth Offender Panels.
There are on average 15 panel meetings every week across the county, which take place at various community buildings throughout Warwickshire.
Each panel is made up of two trained volunteers and a member of the Warwickshire Youth Justice Service.
Together they meet regularly with the young person, their parents or guardian, and wherever willing, the victim, to explore the reasons behind the offending and encourage the young person to take responsibility for their behaviour.
A tailor-made contract is drawn up with the young person agreeing how they will make up for the crime they have committed and outlining the work they will complete in order to prevent them re-offending.
Heather Shilling, Operations Manager for the Youth Justice Service, said: “Panel members work incredibly hard with all involved to help turn around a young person’s life. They are also key to helping the victim feel that the most appropriate measures have been taken to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.
“Panel members are enthusiastic about youth justice, committed and spare a few hours to help the community, with the knowledge that the work they do really does make a difference.”
All volunteers must be aged 18 or over and must agree to a full Enhanced CRB check. They must also attend an initial 3-day residential training course between 1 to 3 October 2010 – further details will be provided when calling.
To register your interest or to book a place please contact Jo Mann on 01926 682650.
For more information regarding Warwickshire’s Youth Justice Service or for further details about how to become a panel member, visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/yjs.