Blackpool's Youth Justice Service looking for volunteers

New local community volunteers are wanted to sit on panels with support from Youth Justice practitoners.

The YJS which is made up social care, education, police, national probation service and local health professionals works with children aged 10 to 17 who have either committed an offence or identified as being at risk of doing so.

The purpose of the role is to facilitate a meeting between a child and YJS staff to talk and listen to key people and agree with the child a plan of action (contract) designed to put right the harm already caused and prevent further offending.

The service strives to reduce the impact on victims and communities by engaging with children and young people to give them the advice and support that they need to learn and avoid behaviour that could have a detrimental impact on their life and their communities.

Becoming a volunteer

People aged 18 or over are eligible to become a Youth Justice Service Volunteer.

The role would entail supporting children by preparing a contract with them which aims to repair the harm that has been caused, address the causes of offending behaviour and help the young people move forward in a positive way.

All volunteer community panel members will receive full training and supervision.

Once trained, Blackpool Youth Justice Service expects volunteer community panel members to commit to volunteering for at least 1 year. During this time, a volunteer would be expected to be part of or chair and a Referral Order panel at least once per month.

Reasonable expenses incurred because of training and/or volunteering will be reimbursed.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer community panel member or would like some further information, then please contact YOT@Blackpool.gov.uk or call 01253 478320 and ask for Hayley Robertson.