Volunteering Opportunity with the Youth Justice Service

The Youth Justice Service are looking for voluntary Community Panel Members, Community Panel Members represent the local community when a young person has been given a Referral Order from Court. The Panel Members support young people who have offended and engage their parents / carers to ensure that:

Young people take responsibility for their behaviour and the harm caused by their offending. Young people change their behaviour in order to promote good outcomes for themselves and communities. Guide young people to build upon the positive factors in their life to prevent reoffending.

Panels happen weekly and your attendance as a panel member is done on a rota basis. Comprehensive training is provided and reimbursement of travel expenses as well as regular supervision and ongoing support.

As a Community Panel Member you will pre-read reports from Youth Justice Officers on the young person’s offence and circumstances, support the young person and parent(s) in the panel to reach contract agreements. You will ensure the victim’s wishes are heard, where applicable and review the young person’s progress on the contract which includes investigating any non-compliance and consider any return to Court or in most cases congratulate and reward good progress.

To ensure that youth offender panels are representative of the local community there are no unnecessary restrictions on recruitment. Selection is based on personal qualities rather than professional qualifications. Training will form an integral and compulsory part of the recruitment process to ensure that community panel members are equipped with the appropriate skills.

If you are interested and would like further information please contact Alison Cammiss - Volunteer Service Manager 07901813436 or email [email protected]