Volunteer Support Person Network
The Volunteer Support Person Network aims to improve the availability of trained and appropriate support people, needed when young people are detained by police.
When a young person is arrested, it’s their right for an adult to support them. This person is a called a ‘support person’.
In most cases, this is someone the young person knows, such as a parent, carer, family friend or caseworker. If no suitable person is available, a volunteer from the community may be asked to provide support at the police station.
The Volunteer Support Person Network aims to increase the number of trained volunteers available to support young people detained by police. The project is being piloted in the Riverina Police District (PD), South Sydney Police Area Command (PAC), Hunter Valley PD, and Nepean PAC.
The key aims of the project in each location are to:
- Recruit intentionally for support people
- Develop and deliver a training package to help support people understand their role and responsibilities
- Provide communication materials and resources to help community members understand and undertake the role of a support person
Resources for support people
How to be a support person to a young person in police custody
Rights in custody explainer (PDF 1.79MB) This document explains the Caution and Summary of Part 9 form police read out and give to young people who are detained.
Reference Guide for support people Tips for supporting young people detained by police.
For more information, please email vspn@nsw.gov.au.