Streetwork offers a free Police Advocacy program for young people aged up to 18 years old whose parents/carers are unable to support them. Contact with the police may be evident of other risky life choices, being present in a time of need and this gives Streetwork an opportunity to offer support and engage with ‘at risk’ young people.

Police Advocacy volunteers respond to after-hours phone calls from police where a ‘responsible adult’ is required to support a young person who is detained in custody.

Streetwork currently offers this service to young people who have been detained at Chatswood, Dee Why, Manly, Hornsby, Gladesville, and Ryde Police stations. (see note on additional requirements)

Police Advocacy volunteers are placed on a monthly roster, depending on availability. Calls are received on a central number that is forwarded to the volunteer who is rostered ‘on-duty’.

Police Advocacy volunteers must attend training (1 hour) and are required to complete a Working With Children Check (WWCC) before commencing in this volunteer role.