Tuesday 24th June 2008
(ref:
CSPNews/24/06/08)
Wigan Youth Offending Team (YOT) is looking for volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to become Community Panel Members and Appropriate Adults.
Community Panel Member
A community panel consists of two volunteers from the local community and representatives from the Youth Offending Team. The community panel works with young people given a Referral Order by the courts, which may last from 3 to 12 months. The Referral Order is a community sentence designed to address the offender’s behaviour and any underlying issues the young person may be experiencing. A community panel member leads the panel and engages the young person, the parents, or carers, and possibly the victim, allowing all sides to have a say. Panel meetings are held mostly in the early evening and volunteers are expected to be able to give 2-4 hours a month.
Appropriate Adult
An appropriate adult attends the police station when the police wish to interview a young person, but their parents or carer either will not or cannot attend. The appropriate adult is there to ensure that the interests of the young person are represented and their rights protected. Volunteers are placed on a rota at times to suit them.
Full training will be given and all out of pocket expenses paid. If you are interested please contact Wigan Youth Offending Team on 01942 487100 and ask for Lorraine Bowie or Sarah Owen. Or alternatively, email l.bowie@wigan.gov.uk
