The Youth Referral and Independent Person Program works by giving young people an independent person who can assist them while they are being interviewed by police.

The crime prevention program has generated strong partnerships between Victoria Police, legal, youth, multicultural and indigenous agencies, and aims to divert young people from the criminal justice system.

The law states that when police question a young person about an alleged offence, a parent or guardian must be present at the time of the interview.

If a parent of guardian is not available, an independent person is required. YRIPP provides trained volunteers to undertake this role.

“This program is a valuable addition to the youth justice landscape and an important service for young people, especially those who are vulnerable,” program manager Sally Reid said.

“The program aims to divert young people, including refugees, newly arrived and indigenous young people, from progression to higher levels of the criminal justice system.

“To achieve this, the program links young people who have undergone police interviews to appropriate support services to assist them with any issues they may be facing and reduce their chances of offending in the future,” Ms Reid said.

Funded by the State Government, the program is operated by the Centre for Multicultural Youth with Uniting Care Ballarat and other agencies.

An information session will be held in Bendigo tonight.

For more information on the program, and how you can become a volunteer, visit www.yripp.org.au< /a>