Helping young people feel empowered, safe and less alone
In Kara’s day to day, she works in sales and runs her own online e-commerce business. Her personal values and passions have led her to become a volunteer, where she fights for those among us who find themselves without someone by their side. In one area, Kara is passionate about advocating for abandoned dogs in shelters, which has led her to the love of her life – a once-foster, now adopted pup named Yogi.
In another area, Kara has been an Independent Person (IP) in the Youth Referral and Independent Person Program (YRIPP) for just over two years, supporting young people under 18 years in police custody when a parent or guardian is not available. The YRIPP program provides trained adult volunteers to attend police interviews, whilst seeking to divert young people from future offending through early intervention at the point of police contact.
Despite embracing her differences from a young age, being born in Africa to an African father and white mother saw Kara experiencing racism and challenges in Australia. Kara’s key responsibilities as an IP is to offer support for the young person, providing emotional support during a typically stressful time.
“I became a volunteer with YRIPP because I’m passionate about helping young people, particularly those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. I know that not all young people in Victoria have equal opportunity to receive a good education, work, food, family and even a safe place to live and these disadvantages can affect their lives greatly,” says Kara.
“I ensure that the young person understands their rights and can exercise these rights. I make sure they are fit for the interview, which means being well enough to understand what’s going on around them and being able to do the interview. I help them feel empowered, safe and not alone.”
“It is important to me that multicultural young people feel that they are welcomed in Australia, that they are an important part of Australian culture. That they feel understood by their peers, the community and the youth justice system.”
As a YRIPP Independent Person, Kara talks to a young person about services that may be able to help them. This confidential discussion at the earliest point of contact between a young person and the justice system is an opportunity in a young person’s life to divert them from future offending. The opportunity to work with young people and make a difference in their lives has been the drawcard for Kara.
“Being a volunteer with YRIPP is an interesting and varied role that also presents many challenges, including staying on top of changing laws. I want to have a positive impact on them whether it be just for that moment I was with them, for that day or maybe I could even positively change their future. To me that seemed very rewarding and important.”