YOUTH VOLUNTEERS

In reply to Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (2 July 2013).

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers): I have been advised:

The state government continues to communicate with the volunteer community to create safe and supportive volunteering opportunities for young people, including those with a history of offending or substance abuse, in order to build their resilience and vocational and employment skills.

Nevertheless, under legislation, such as the Aged Care Act 1997 and the Children's Protection Act 1993, certain staff and volunteers are required to undergo a police check and assessment. Release of information of a police check is governed by the South Australian Spent Convictions Act 2009 (the 'Act').

For a young person, eligible convictions become spent if they were not detained, or were detained for no more than 24 months, or if they have since completed five years without being found guilty of any further offences.

There are a number of programs in South Australia that provide support and volunteering experiences to young people who may have a history of offending or substance abuse. By way of example, the following, amongst others, are available:

The police volunteers program accepts applications from interested parties for a variety of programs. In relation to young people, the entrance age for all SAPOL volunteering opportunities is 18 years, with the exception of the SAPOL Blue Lightprogram where volunteers can be from the age of 12 years. The process is the same for each applicant, with probity checks included as standard process, the results of which are measured against various factors, including the nature of the volunteering tasks within the program being applied for.

active8 is a youth development program, coordinated at the school level, giving young people the opportunity to get involved in their local communities, encouraging self-confidence and long-term commitment to the community. A mandatory program requirement is that the participating students complete a minimum eight hours community service. The program has been offered at several secondary school sites with a focus on young people at risk of entering or in the youth justice system, thereby allowing them to benefit from participating in the program.

youthconnect grants aim to support organisations that provide opportunities for young people to improve mental health, increase self-confidence, build transferable skills and increase community engagement. Priority areas include young people in contact with the juvenile justice system—supporting young people's transition back into the community after exiting the juvenile justice system; and young people who are vulnerable and/or disadvantaged.