YACVic news
20 June 2008
Upcoming Code
of Ethical Practice information and implementation workshops
YACVic is hosting free workshops on the Code
of Ethical Practice – A First Step for the Victorian Youth
Sector in Shepparton and Wodonga.
The workshop will allow youth workers and youth sector professionals
to find out more about the Code and to discuss ways of
implementing the Code.
Location: Shepparton (PDF;
101kb), Wodonga (PDF; 101kb)
Date: 28 July (Shepparton); 29 July (Wodonga)
Time: 11.00-1.30 (Shepparton); 9.30-12.00 (Wodonga)
Cost: Free!
RSVP: info@yacvic.org.au (include
your name, contact details and the workshop you wish to attend)
Important amendment
to the Code of Ethical Practice
YACVic would like to advise that there has been an amendment
to the Code of Ethical Practice - A First Step for the Victorian
Youth Sector relating to the mandatory reporting responsibilities
of youth workers.
On page 13 of the Code, it states that “the Children,
Youth and Families Act 2005...compel all people with a youth work degree
who work in the health, education or community welfare services
fields to report their beliefs that a child may be in need of
protection.”
YACVic has since been advised that youth workers are currently
not legally obliged to report any such beliefs. For further information,
download the following clarifying
statement on the amendment (PDF; 153kb) or contact
Jen Rose (jrose@yacvic.org.au).
YACVic apologises for any confusion caused.
New Anti-grafitti
Laws
The Graffiti Prevention Act 2007 came into force
recently, bringing into effect new laws that are aimed to curb
the spread of graffiti.
The Act includes several new laws that impact on young people,
including giving police the right to stop and search young
people over 14 on or near public transport, penalties for young
people who are found carrying spray paint cans, and (from 30 June
onwards) restrictions on the sale of spray paints cans to minors.
Youthlaw
has produced a fact
sheet (PDF; 80kb) that covers the new laws and the search
powers, as well as an example
of how
the implementation
of the laws (Word; 26kb) could affect young people.
Youthlaw is also encouraging youth workers and young people
to let it know about their experiences of the new laws
(e.g. relating to police behaviour, over-policing of young
people in public places, impacts of fines). The information will
be used to inform and lobby the Government and Victoria Police
about the operation of the new laws.
For more information, visit Youthlaw's website at www.youthlaw.asn.au.
Volunteering opportunities at YRIPP
Do
you have an interest in working with a broad range of young people, including
those from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) backgrounds?
Are you interested in developing your knowledge about local youth support
services, the law and police and criminal justice procedures?
Are you reliable, with highly developed communication and assertiveness
skills?
Are you over 18 years of age and have access to private transport?
Do you have a commitment to social justice?
YRIPP is seeking volunteers to donate their time to undertake training
and become Independent Persons. What is an Independent Person?
An independent Person is a trained volunteer who is independent
of the Criminal Justice System and supports young people during interviews
with Police.
What is YRIPP?
The law requires that an adult be present during formal police
questioning of a young person under 18 years of age. YRIPP provides trained
volunteers to support young people through police interviews where a
parent or guardian is unavailable. YRIPP also refers young people to
culturally appropriate health and welfare support services to reduce
their chances of future offending.
YRIPP operates a 1300 telephone number that police can call 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week, to obtain an Independent Person for interviews with
young people. These Independent Persons are trained in relevant police
and legal processes as well as in working with Indigenous and Culturally
and Linguistically Diverse young people
YRIPP is funded by the State Government and is a partnership
program of the Centre for Multicultural Youth Issues (CMYI), the Youth
Affairs
Council of Victoria and other agencies.
Where does YRIPP operate?
YRIPP is currently operational in 20 metropolitan police stations.
Over the next two years, the program will be available to
young people interviewed in 103 police stations across the State.
If you are interested in volunteering or would like to find
out more about the program, please contact admin@yripp.org.au or
call 9340 3777 or visit YRIPP's
website.
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