www.yripp.org.au

Youth Referral & Independent Person Program

Presentation to National CLC Conference

October 2010

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Aims of this session:• to explore success and learnings about partnership model• to explore issues and challenges for young people and volunteers in police interviews

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What is YRIPP?

YRIPP is a partnership Between:

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Why have an IP program?

Young people are over-represented in justice system

Increasing numbers of newly arrived and refugee young people coming to the attention of police

Early intervention: The first interview with police is an ideal opportunity

The need for consistent training and support across Victoria

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Program History

Began in 2004 as a small pilot program in 9 police stations

In June 2007 was funded by Department of Justice for 2 years to expand to a state-wide service

Receiving funding for 12 months at a time to maintain & consolidate service

Advocating for a long-term commitment from Government

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About YRIPP

A Statewide program that provides trained, volunteer Independent Persons for police interviews with young people under 18;

provides a 1300 telephone number for police to call 24/7 when they require the attendance of an IP at their station;

Refers young people to health and welfare support services to reduce the chances of future re-offending;

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About YRIPP

Provides (in partnership with Victoria Legal Aid) legal advice services to young people 24/7;

provides multilingual flyers for parents/guardians outlining the purpose of a parent or guardian’s presence at police interviews;

Provides info cards for young people explaining how to approach making a complaint about treatment by police; &

works with local networks to ensure the program complements the existing youth service system.

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About YRIPP

Supporting young people in over 3000 interviews each year.

Over 350 active volunteers across Victoria Over 98% of police report IP performance as

excellent, very good or good.

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About YRIPP

Client Demographics 74% Metro 26% Rural 78% male and 22% female 84% born in Australia (12% Aboriginal or

Torres Strait islander) 16% born outside Australia 25% identify as culturally and linguistically

diverse. 38% of young people had some level of DHS

involvement

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Partnering in Training

Module 1: YRIPP Information, Policies and Protocols

Module 2: Role of the IP: Police Processes ~ Delivered in partnership with local police

Module 3: Role of the IP: Legal Perspective ~ Delivered in partnership with Youthlaw

Module 4: Working with Young People in Custody

Module 5: Working with Refugee and Migrant Young People

Module 6: Working with Indigenous Young People ~ Delivered in partnership with VALS

Module 7: Referral and Review

The Training and Assessment Program:

Police station tour

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Partnering in Training

Development of DVD

Training DVD developed in partnership to explain role of Independent Persons, CAHABPS workers and Bail Justices

Essential training tool, which ensures consistent messages across volunteers, program areas and organisations

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Partnering in Referrals

Referral Partnerships

Essential aim of the program is to divert young people to culturally appropriate, local, health and welfare support services

In 2009-2010 financial year, YRIPP volunteers referred over 1000 young people to support services

Established partnerships with youth services across Victoria to receive simple referrals made by volunteers at police stations

Ensures program integration within service system

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Partnering in Funding

Broad and cross-sector partnerships assists in ‘clout’ with government and funders.

Expertise and networks of partner agencies assist with funding campaigns.

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Partnering in program oversight

Reference group made up of government, legal sector and youth sector representatives.

Provides strategic advice to YRIPP regarding program expansion and issues arising.

Breadth of knowledge among partner agencies continues to benefit and inform program development and management of systemic issues.

Provides a forum for discussion of policy related issues relevant to the program and young people’s interactions with the justice system more broadly.

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Partnering in Law Reform

VLRC Project “Supporting Young People in Police Custody”.

The legislation pertaining to Independent Persons does not adequately define the rights of, duties afforded to and role of the IP in the justice process.

Partnership ensured submissions promoting best practice were provided, which included perspectives from young people.

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Partnering with Victoria Police

Have always been crucial partner with YRIPP. Ensures local usage of the program among Victoria

Police members, given no legislative requirement to use YRIPP.

Assisted in addressing procedural breaches, such as illegal acquirement of fingerprints, etc.

Ability to advise on YRIPP policies regarding police procedures.

Emma Read, Inner City Regional Coordinator, and volunteers – Nadia Angeli and Hannah Kelly

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Partnering with Victoria Police

Challenges: Difference of opinion between legal/youth sector partners

and Victoria Police can lead to stalled decisions and inaction. Difficulty in educating operational police members. Previous funding contract managed by Victoria Police

compromised YRIPP’s integrity as an ‘independent’ program. Police procedures implemented without collaboration with

YRIPP, Leads to reactive rather than proactive program responses & policies.

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Summary of Partnership Model

• Many benefits of partnership model has led to success of YRIPP today.

• Collaborative decisions-making, although difficult to facilitate and time consuming, is essential for ongoing delivery and success of

the program.

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Politics and Funding Restrictions

• Program planning and development (eg. complete Statewide expansion and role of IP expanded to victims and witnesses support).

• Referral component of program at risk due to political agenda at the time (‘early intervention’ versus ‘tough on crime’ agendas).

• Program evaluation.

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Contact Details

www.yripp.org.au

03 9340 3777