There are four roles that volunteers undertake within Leeds Youth Offending Service, working with young people aged 10 –17 years who are involved in the Youth Justice System. No formal qualifications are required as training and support are provided.

• Appropriate Adults support young people while they are questioned in the police station about alleged offences. There is a legal obligation under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) for an Appropriate Adult to be present during all interviews with juveniles to ensure their needs and rights are met and that the interview is conducted fairly.
   

• Youth Offender Panel Members work with young people who have been convicted of a first offence and have received a Referral Order. The panel members meet with the young person to agree a contract of activities for the young person to make amends and move their lives forward more positively.
   

• Mentors work on a 1-to-1 basis with young people leaving custody, who have also been identified as having substance misuse issues and additional needs. The mentors offer support to the young person during their transition back into society, including introducing new experiences and providing a non judgemental approach.
   

• ISSP Volunteers assist within the Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programme.  This programme is a community sentence used as an alternative to custody for certain young people convicted or bailed for serious or persistent offending.  The volunteers can be involved with a variety of group or 1 to 1 work depending on their interests.

After applying to volunteer with Leeds Youth Offending Service, the recruitment process involves an informal interview followed by a Foundation Training Course and Role Specific Training.

Click here to see a current list of volunteering opportunities
 

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Volunteer Viewpoint - the Leeds YOS Newsletter for Volunteers

Click here for a PDF version of the Spring 2010 Edition

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Click here for a PDF version of the Spring 2009 Edition

Click here for a PDF version of the Winter 2008 Edition

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Click here for a PDF version of the April/May 2008 Edition

Click here for a PDF version of the Nov/Dec 2007 Edition
 

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