The principal aim of the Youth Justice system is to prevent crime by children and young people under the age of 18. The right intervention may help divert a young offender from a criminal career. Effective youth justice requires the involvement of the local community and there are a number of roles volunteers can play.

What?

An appropriate adult attends the police station when the police wish to interview a young person and the young person's parents/carers either will not, or cannot attend. The appropriate adult is there to ensure that the young person's interests are represented and their rights are protected.

Mentoring pairs a volunteer adult with a young person at risk of offending. The adult's role is to motivate and support the young person through a structured relationship over a period of time. The mentor may support the young person going back into education or training, in finding a job, or improving literacy and numeracy skills. Being a mentor requires the volunteer to encourage the young person to keep working at the areas which put them at risk of offending. (See Case Study)

Being a member of a Youth Offender Panel gives you the opportunity to be involved in creating a programme of activities for young offenders that will ensure they repair the harm resulting from their offending and address aspects of their lives that cause them to offend. You will talk to the young person, together with parents, guardians and victims to agree a tailor-made package aimed at repairing the harm done and preventing further offending.

Who?

Generally, you are likely to need patience, good judgement and objectivity, commitment and reliability, good listening and communication skills, and the ability to relate to young people. Volunteers are of all ages and backgrounds. Previous convictions, especially those that are minor in nature and old, will not automatically exclude you.

How?

For more details of any of these possibilities visit the website of the Youth Justice Board at www.youth-justice-board.gov.uk or contact your local Youth Offending team (see Addresses). There is a YOT in every local authority area in England and Wales. Teams include staff from police, probation, social services, health and education. You can find contact details at the Youth Justice Board website or in local telephone directories.