YRIPP Independent Person - Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY)

This role is advertised by Volunteer West, the volunteer resource centre of Australian Multicultural Community Services on behalf of Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY).

Organisation description:

The Centre for Multicultural Youth is a non-profit organisation based in Victoria, providing specialist knowledge and support to young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Our vision is that young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds are connected, empowered and influential Australians. Through a combination of specialist support services, training and consultancy, knowledge sharing and advocacy, we are working to remove the barriers young people face as they make Australia their home.

Program description:

The Youth Referral and Independent Person Program (YRIPP) provides a high quality system of trained adult volunteers, known as “Independent Persons,” who attend police interviews with young people in custody when a parent or guardian is unavailable.

YRIPP also aims to prevent future offending by supporting early intervention at the point of police contact. The program is supported by the Victorian Government and delivered by the Centre for Multicultural Youth and the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria, in partnership with community legal centres and Victoria Police.

YRIPP provides:

• 24/7 Independent Persons at Victorian police stations
• Training and ongoing volunteer support
• Information on youth support services * Resources for police and parents on youth justice
• 24 hour legal advice via Victoria Legal Aid
• Evidence based policy advice and advocacy to improve outcomes for young people

Position description:

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.

Volunteers may support with one or more of the following responsibilities:

• Supporting and monitoring the wellbeing of young people during police interviews
• Helping young people understand processes, rights and available support options
• Supporting communication between young people and police where appropriate
• Observing that processes are carried out fairly and respectfully
• Completing relevant records and referral documentation where required
• Participating in training and ongoing volunteer support activities

Volunteers will receive structured training, induction and ongoing support before commencing in the role. Further information about the role responsibilities, expectations and requirements will be shared throughout the shortlisting, interview and training process.

Location: State-wide. Volunteers can nominate preferred police station locations for their roster.

Skills required:

• Commitment to supporting young people and an interest in youth justice
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Non-judgemental, respectful and inclusive approach when working with diverse young people
• Ability to remain calm, use sound judgement and respond appropriately in complex situations
• Reliable and able to manage roster commitments
• Comfortable using basic technology and completing administration tasks

Time requirement:

• Volunteers are required to complete approximately 20 hours of structured training and induction before commencing in the role
• Once on roster, volunteers commit to at least one 12-hour on-call shift per week
• Shifts are managed through a self-managed online roster system, allowing flexibility around availability

Commitment required: Minimum 12-month commitment after successfully completing training.

Other requirements:

• Driver Licence
• National Police Check
• Working with Children Check

Please note: Some professions may be ineligible due to conflict of interest requirements, including certain roles within policing, youth justice, child protection and legal services. Further information will be discussed during the recruitment process.

Benefits of volunteering for this role:

• Support young people at a critical time and help create positive outcomes
• Develop communication, advocacy and problem-solving skills through structured training
• Gain practical knowledge of the youth justice system and legal processes
• Flexible roster-based volunteering around your availability
• Gain experience relevant to community services and related fields

This role can be made suitable for people with disability.