Council seeks volunteers for Youth Justice Service
Hammersmith and Fulham Council seeks dedicated volunteers to join their Youth Justice Service as community panel members. This crucial role involves working directly with young people who have offended, helping to guide them away from reoffending and positively impacting the local community.
The Role of Community Panel Members
Community panel members play an essential role in facilitating youth justice panel meetings. These meetings involve young people who have committed offenses, the Youth Justice Service, and victims of crime. Together, they review the circumstances of the offense, assess its impact, and work with the young person to agree on a contract aimed at preventing future offenses.
Volunteers meet every two to three months to review the progress of the young person, ensuring that they are complying with the agreed-upon contract. If a young person is not meeting their obligations, panel members will assess whether the case should be referred back to court. While this role involves vital decision-making, it does not include befriending or mentoring the young people.
Who Should Apply?
The Council is seeking volunteers who are committed to supporting young people and can dedicate their time to this important work. Volunteers are required to commit to at least two panel meetings per month, each lasting around one hour, with additional time for post-meeting debriefs. In addition, volunteers will participate in three-monthly progress reviews, emergency meetings, and extension meetings as needed. Applicants must be willing to commit to the role for at least 12 months and consent to a DBS check.
Benefits for Volunteers
Volunteers will receive training, guidance, and support in youth justice and restorative approaches. This role provides a unique opportunity to develop new skills, gain experience in youth justice, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people and the wider community. Additionally, reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed, and volunteers can request a reference after six months of service.
For more information or to apply, visit the Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s website.
