Volunteers looking out for young people

A police interview is not a place you would expect to find a caring community volunteer. But, whenever a young person is arrested and interviewed by police they can count on the voluntary support of an
Independent Person.
Margaret Ives from Ballarat, has volunteered for the Youth Referral and Independent Person Program (YRIPP) for 3 years now and has had over 20 ‘callouts’ to the Ballarat police station. As an ‘Independent Person’ Margaret sits-in when young people are interviewed by police, provides them with legal information and most importantly, refers them on to another service for more help.
“It’s such an interesting role” says Mrs Ives. “I try and help the young person feel safer and at ease and let them know that they can seek help if they need it.”
Nearly half of these young people, who are not already attending a service, are referred to local health and welfare services.  Working so closely with these services as well as community members and local police is one of the reasons why YRIPP is so successful.
YRIPP is currently looking for more volunteers throughout Western Victoria and Information Evenings will be held in Ballarat on 7 and 21 February, and Geelong on the 14 February.
To book into an Information Evening please contact YRIPP on 03 9340 3777 or visit www.yripp.org.au