When young people are arrested and interviewed by the police, dedicated volunteers often help them through their brush with the law.
Australian law requires an adult to be present during formal police questioning of people under the age of 18.
The Youth Referral and Independent Persons Program (YRIPP), a partnership between Victoria Police, the Centre for Multicultural Youth and the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria, trains volunteers to support young people through police interviews.
Werribee resident Clara Rovetto signed up for the volunteer program four years ago.
“We get a call-out when a youth is arrested, and meet them before the interview begins,” she said.
“We make sure they are comfortable and have all their needs met, like water, blankets or sleep, and then run through the questions they might be asked. We notify them of their legal rights and connect with them and make sure that by the time the interview comes, they feel comfortable.”
Ms Rovetto said the work was rewarding, with many of the youth offenders coming from broken families and needing support.
“I walk away after an interview feeling as though I’ve given them something that they can hold on to, make them know they’re not alone,” she said.
She said the volunteers were not lawyers and always encouraged the young people to seek Legal Aid assistance.
Wyndham residents interested in volunteering with YRIPP should call 9340 3777.
