Anyone work in youth justice

[MrsMattie]

I'm thinking about doing some voluntary work with a view to getting back to work in the next year or so. I have known for ages that the vague area I want to work in is 'with young people', but have dithered a lot about whether I should retrain as a teacher, social worker, advice worker, youth worker etc etc. I've just been looking at the YJB website and some of the volunteer roles really appeal - especially the Youth Offending Panel role.

Has anyone got any experience of working in youth justice? Can you tell me a bit more about the sector - different sorts of jobs, the good and the bad and the ugly

Thanks

Bumping for you.

Thanks PuzzleRocks. Bumping again for the daytime crowd.

i know someone whose sister does this. she is 30-ish. is great at it too and seems to have found her calling. she works with 'at risk kids' through the parole board in a large city in England.

LMK if you want her email addy. i think she'd be delighted to share her experience and insight.

Contact your local Youth Offending Team (through your local council). They are always looking for volunteers for the panels - but do be warned that alot of panels meet in the early evening (based on the idea that the young people are occupied in jobs or training during the day ) They are often also looking for adults to attend the police station when interviewing young people who either don't have parents - or their parents can't be bothered to turn up.

You could also get involved with restorative justice work (a bit like the old community service) - just being an extra pair of hands etc.

Practical experience in the area is the best way to get a job in Youth Justice and counts for more than a degree in the relevant area. More info on the training opportunities can be found on the YJB website

good luck