What we do and apply to volunteer with us.
What we do
We work with young people who get into trouble with the law, helping them to stay away from crime. We:
- help young people at the police station, providing an Appropriate Adult if needed
- help young people and their families at court
- give information to the court
- supervise young people serving a community sentence, find out about community sentences on GOV.UK Go to https://www.gov.uk/community-sentences (opens new window)
- keep in touch with young people sentenced to custody, find out about custody on GOV.UK Go to https://www.gov.uk/young-people-in-custody (opens new window)
- support young people awaiting sentence
- help offenders understand the effects of their crime
- work with parents or carers to help them understand their responsibilities
- offer victims of crime the chance to take part in restorative justice, find out about restorative justice on the Restorative Justice Council website Go to http://www.restorativejustice.org.uk/what-restorative-justice (opens new window)
The team includes workers from different organisations including the council, police, health service and probation service.
Young people are put in touch with the Youth Justice Service by the police or the courts.
Apply to be a volunteer
If there are not any current opportunities to become a volunteer, well keep your details and contact you before the next round of training.
Volunteer roles
Appropriate Adult
Young people under 18 must have an Appropriate Adult with them when police interview them about a crime.
If a parent or carer cannot be there, we'll get a skilled volunteer.
The volunteer makes sure:
- the police are acting fairly
- the child's welfare needs are met
- the child understands the process
Find about the role of Appropriate Adult on GOV.UK Go to https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-for-appropriate-adults (opens new window).
Appropriate Adult volunteers must be at least 22 years old and live in Bristol, South Gloucestershire or Bath.
You'll get training and we'll pay your expenses.
If you'd like to find out more about this role, email the Appropriate Adult Coordinator, Julie Guest: yjs@bristol.gov.uk
Community Panel Member
Community Panels are held for children who have been sentenced to a Referral Order. They aim to help young people take responsibility for their actions and reduce re-offending.
Community Panel Member volunteers lead these meetings and agree a behaviour contract with the young person, their family and the Youth Justice Service practitioner.
You must be at least 18 years old and live in Bristol.
You'll get training and we'll pay your travel expenses.
If you'd like to find out more about this role, email the Referral Order Coordinator, Theresa Larke: yjs@bristol.gov.uk
We cannot accept applications from Police Officers, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) or Magistrates who sit in Bristol, as there's potential conflict of interest.