YRIPP Independent Person

YRIPP Youth Referral & Independent Person Program

Advertised by Greater Dandenong Volunteer Resource Service

Volunteer Independent Persons attend police interviews with young people under 18 years at designated police stations around Victoria. The Independent Person is there to compensate for the inherent disadvantage young people in police custody face when interviewed by police and clarify to them what is happening and why. The parameters of the Independent Person role are set out in the YRIPP Independent Person Manual. IPs will:  Provide support for the young person, monitor their welfare and assist to reduce any apprehension the young person may feel, particularly during questioning.  Make an objective and accurate record of the young person’s time at the police station to be able to present that account at any later court proceedings.  Facilitate communication between the young person and the police, if required.  Ensure that the young person understands their legal rights, the processes available to them and the role that Independent Persons have in protecting their rights.  Observe whether the police or others involved in the call-out process are acting properly, fairly and with respect for the rights of the detained young person.  Take appropriate action (based on your observations and the young person’s wishes) if it appears the police or others are not acting properly, fairly, and with respect for the rights of the young person.  Offer information about local support services that may be able to help the young person and if the young person agrees, complete relevant YRIPP referral forms.

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Type of work

Mediation & Advocacy

Suitable for

Skilled Volunteers, Young Adults, 18 - 24

Commitment

Regular - more than 6 months

Training

Available

Time required

Be available during roster

Requirements

National Police Certificate
Working with Children Check

1. Commitment to supporting young people and an interest in making a positive contribution to the youth justice process. 2. Excellent communication and social skills, including sufficient written skills in English to complete detailed paperwork. 3. Demonstrated ability to engage young people, remaining non-judgemental, and displaying positive and unconditional regard, regardless of religion, gender, race, sexuality, age or ability. 4. Ability to work sensitively and appropriately with young people from culturally diverse backgrounds (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds). 5. Ability to carry out basic computer and administration tasks including mobile phone skills. 6. Ability to maintain an up-to-date roster, be reliable in responding to phone calls and attend police stations when rostered and called upon to attend. 7. Demonstrated fair and balanced attitude towards the police. 8. Ability to navigate complex situations demonstrating flexibility, professionalism and impartiality. 9. Demonstrated ability to remain calm but assertive, and apply sound decision making when under pressure. 10. Ability to follow process, and exercise good judgement in identifying and reporting/escalating issues for further support and follow up. 11. Demonstrated ability to identify, respond to and manage own stress. 12. Ability to be self-reflective and engage in ongoing two-way feedback processes.

YRIPP Independent Person

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