VOLUNTEERING. in Probation Services Branch. VP Os

Transcription

1 a b o u t VOLUNTEERING in Probation Services Branch VP Os 1 1

2 The Probation Service: How YOU can help An Introduction Civic-mindedness means more than just being courteous, or polite when spoken to. It means more than just knowing where to throw your rubbish, or when not to talk loudly. Being civicminded means knowing when to help, when help is needed. The fact that you re even picking up this pamphlet says quite a bit about you. You are a concerned citizen, wishing to make a difference. Would you now be willing or ready to give up a portion of your time every week, to do things for people who may not even thank you personally for it? If your answer is yes, do please read on. Let us share with you the joys and pains of volunteering with the Probation Service. 1

3 What is probation? Probation is a system where young offenders are given a second chance by the Court to live and work freely in the community. These probationers must abide by rules set down by the Court, and they may be required to perform certain duties or attend various training programmes while serving out their probation. How long does probation last? The probation period is decided by the Court and it usually lasts between six months and three years. Who qualifies for probation? Probation is usually extended to all young offenders below the age of 18 years old, except in cases of murder or treason. What types of offences warrant probation? Several factors will decide if an offender is offered probation. This includes the seriousness of the offence, the role of the offender, the character of the offender and the recommendations of the Probation Officer. Some of the offences committed by probationers are theft, unlawful assembly and illegal hawking of pirated materials. 2

4 Who are the probationers? About 80 percent of all probationers are boys aged between 15 and 18 years old. A majority of them are still schooling, or have just completed secondary school education. Many come from troubled or complex family backgrounds. What problems do probationers face? Many probationers are suddenly faced with the need to change a set routine, or adopt new habits. They find it hard to adapt overnight and may become resentful, disillusioned or restless. How can we help them overcome their problems? Often, all that is needed is a listening ear and a lot of patience. Time and effort is needed to get to know the probationer, gain his/her trust and respect, in order to break down his/her resistance to change. Does probation work? Yes, probation has been shown to work. Many young offenders have been successfully rehabilitated. Making probation work, however, takes time, effort and patience. There isn t a clearcut formula, but rehabilitation usually takes several steps in achieving: 3

5 The probationer must see the error of his/her ways The probationer must make a conscious effort to change his/her attitude or lifestyle The probationer must have access to guidance and counselling 4

6 Alvin s story Alvin had the best of everything doting parents, an easy life and pocket money on demand. An only child, Alvin was used to getting his way. How could such a privileged boy get into trouble? How did he cope? What lessons did he learn? Here is Alvin s story: I was 16 years old when I got into a fight. I was in sec 4 then. My friends and I were at a basketball court when we saw another group of boys. We stared at them and one of my friends shouted abuse at them. They scolded us back, and challenged us to a fight. We accepted. The other group then ran to a storeroom nearby to collect their weapons. At the same time, we telephoned for backup. But before our friends could arrive, the other group was charging at us with knives and wooden poles. I could have walked away, but I decided to fight. In the end, I was slashed on the head and right hand My parents were shocked when they saw all the blood on me. Soon after the fight, I was charged in court. I felt that I was a victim, but I was still placed on probation. At first, I was angry and irritated. Each morning at 8am, I had to report to my Probation Officer. It was very frustrating because I had to travel three hours everyday, just to meet my probation officer. This went on for a few weeks. 5

7 Also, I had to be home before 9pm every night. I felt very caged up. I wasn t used to the curfew. Before this, I used to stay out till 2-3am in the morning. With probation, I had to be at home all the time. Also, I could not go to my favorite places, like billiard saloons, or game arcades While on probation, I got to know a volunteer probation officer. He was like an elder brother. He tried to talk to me, to be my friend. At first, I resented it. I thought he just wanted to control me. By after some time, I gave in. I realized he only wanted to help Three of my friends were also given probation I also had to perform 100 hours of community service. I was attached to an old folks home, and told to wash toilets. It was very troublesome! I never did housework before. At home, I was treated like an Emperor! Now, I washed toilets a day! I also had to feed and talk to the old people After probation, I find that I have changed. I realized I was too playful, and irresponsible. I have a part-time job now, and I ve also signed up for a diploma course. My ambition is to become a policeman, so I can help others like myself. These days, when boys stare at me, I just smile back! 6

8 Who are volunteer probation officers (VPOs)? VPOs are ordinary men and women who have set aside a portion of their time to help rehabilitate young offenders. These dedicated members of the public come from all walks of life and can be young or old. How can VPOs be of help? VPOs can render help in many ways. They could: Provide tuition and assist offenders in school-related issues Teenagers need effective role models. Volunteers can act as a source of inspiration. They can help probationers regain their confidence and sense of self-worth by helping them do well in their studies. Organize group activities for young offenders Teenagers sometimes get into mischief simply because they are bored. They lack a sound social network. Volunteers can help by conducting programmes that would benefit probationers and their families. These include sports tournaments, stress management workshops, or even skills training classes. 7

9 Befriend and counsel young offenders and their families. Sometimes, a volunteer can help by merely offering probationers and their family members a listening ear. Having to make sudden adjustments to one s lifestyle can be stressful. A volunteer who can listen and offer friendly advice will be much appreciated. Conduct case supervisions Working closely with the probation officer, a caseworker will meet the probationer at his/her home, or at a public location, for a minimum of four hours per week. This is to ensure the building of good rapport between the caseworker and the probationer. Every month, the caseworker must also submit a progress report to the probation officer. Those interested in casework must be able to commit at least a year of service. Who can qualify? A VPO must be above 18 years old. He/She must have completed secondary school education and must be able to commit at least four hours a week. The VPO must be physically fit and mentally sound, with no criminal record. 8

10 What personal qualities must a VPO possess? Apart from patience and good intentions, a VPO must be just, honest and humble. There is no room for moral high grounds in counselling. VPOs must be able and willing to respect the probationer as a person. They must be accepting of his wrongdoings. They can be critical, but not be judgmental in their dealings with the probationer. What responsibilities do VPOs have? VPOs must be responsible and committed to their cause. While VPOs are not expected to nanny those in their care, they are expected to guide and encourage their probationers in the same way a parent would. This includes setting them limits and being firm when they display unacceptable behaviors. However, VPOs should bear several things in mind. Firstly, they cannot solve all the probationer s problems. The time they spend with the probationer is, after all, only a tiny fraction of the probationer s life. Secondly, VPOs should never abuse their power as mentors. They should never expect anything other than gratefulness for their time and efforts. The VPOs should not expect or accept any material rewards for what they do. 9

11 What basic training/support will VPOs receive? VPOs will be trained before and during their stint with MCDS. They will be taught basic communication and befriending skills. They will also visit juvenile homes and prisons, and observe community projects in action. What problems might VPOs face? VPOs may have to re-examine their own schedules, in order to juggle their time between work, family life and volunteer work. They may find the work discouraging at first, with little positive result. VPOs may also feel exhausted and burnt-out. They may feel overwhelmed with too many things to do. How can VPOs stay motivated? VPOs must stay focused and be realistic. A VPO s role is to guide, befriend and advise, not to solve all the probationer s problems. VPOs should set themselves reasonable targets. Take small steps. Do not be ambitious and target all problem areas at once. VPOs would do well to remember, that nobody is judging or grading them based on what they can achieve. All they should do, is to do their best. 10

12 Wilson Tan: One Man s Attempt to Make a Difference Mr Wilson Tan has been a VPO for the past 10 years or so. A retired school master, Mr Tan recounts the highs and lows of his own life, and how he tries to pass the message on to those he counsels: I came from a very strict family. I have four siblings. Our parents kept a very close watch on us when we were young. Growing up, I had to earn my keep. After school, I helped my father with his construction business. It was tough, working and sweating in the sun, moving heavy objects. I had to wake up at 3am. I started work when it was still dark, and didn t stop until it grew dark again. That s when I learnt the value of money, thrift and hard work. These days, kids expect money to fall from the sky. They stretch out their hands and expect to be given money, just like that. That s when the problem starts. They spend beyond their means and begin to steal. I once had a probationer who tried to borrow money from me. I told him no. I said instead: Go find work. I believe in old fashion values. In my work as a VPO, I try to pass these on. I give them advice like a father would. I don t scold them. That wouldn t work. But I am firm. In good time, these kids will confide in me, and learn from me. To me, that s the most satisfying thing about volunteering. 11

13 Application procedure So, now that you re all geared up and ready to go, how do you apply to become a VPO? It s simple. Just follow one of two steps: Call MCDS at MCDS your intentions at MCDS_Probation_Service@mcds.gov.sg A probation officer will then contact you for further instructions. 12

14 Ministry of Community Development and Sports Building a cohesive and resilient society 512A Thomson Road, SLF Podium #01-01 Singapore Probation Services Branch Operating Hours: 8.30am pm Mondays to Saturdays Visit us at us at MCDS_probation_service@mcds.gov.sg Call us at February 2004