Volunteer with youth justice
Kent Youth Justice - Kent County Council
We are looking for volunteers to become Youth Justice Community Panel Members.
When a child pleads guilty to an offence, they attend a Referral Order Panel meeting with two trained volunteer panel members, a Youth Justice Practitioner, and a parent or carer. The panel discusses the offence and its impact, identifies any underlying needs, and works with the child to create a contract, which is reviewed at subsequent progress meetings.
Administration,Advice, Information & Support,Community Work,Youth Work
Listening, Teamwork, Reasoning, Talking To Others, Organising & Planning
We welcome and respect the breadth of experience, knowledge, skills, and dedication that volunteers bring. All potential volunteers will be asked to complete our Volunteer Application Form. Interviews are then carried out to ensure that applicants are suitable for the role. Volunteers are asked to provide two references. Referees should have known you for at least one year and should be from two people to whom you are not related. We base our selection on skills, and the ability of each applicant to fulfil the role. Kent County Council is committed to demonstrating best practice by promoting equality and valuing diversity in our policies and practice. The Secretary of State has a power under section 21(2) of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 to issue guidance to Youth Justice Services on the criteria to be applied in appointing members of youth offender panels. To ensure that youth offender panels are diverse and representative of the local community there should be no unnecessary restrictions on recruitment. The selection criteria are based on personal qualities rather than professional qualifications. Training will form an integral and compulsory part of the recruitment process to ensure that volunteer panel members are equipped with the appropriate skills.
Volunteering as a Community Panel Member is a rewarding opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of children, victims, and the wider community. Benefits include: Making a meaningful impact by helping children understand the consequences of their actions and supporting them to make positive changes. Giving back to the community through involvement in restorative justice and the youth justice process. Developing valuable skills such as communication, active listening, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and meeting facilitation. Gaining knowledge and experience of the criminal justice system, restorative practices, and child-centred approaches. Building confidence through working with diverse individuals and contributing to important decision-making. Meeting new people and working alongside other volunteers and professionals within youth justice services. Receiving training and ongoing support to help carry out the role effectively. Enhancing employability and personal development by gaining experience that can strengthen CVs and support career progression.
We ask that volunteers provide us with approximately 6 hours of their time a month.
N/A
Vacancies available across Kent, in most Districts. Training takes place in Ashford.
Can be provided dependant on the location, due to the nature of the role all venues that we use are within walking distance of public transport stops.
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