VOLUNTEERS are needed for a scheme to stop first-time offenders getting into more trouble.

The Referral Order Panel in Darlington works with the courts to try to offer restorative justice to young offenders.

Once a referral order is made by a magistrate the panel meets the young person and discusses their actions and an appropriate contract to stop them reoffending.

Contracts can include community service, meetings with a substance misuse counsellor and writing a letter to the victim.

Further meetings are held with the young person throughout the duration of the order, which can be up to 12 months. If a young person breaks the contract they can be taken back to court.

Volunteers for the panel, which is run by the Youth Offending and Community Safety Service, would be interviewed at home.

There are 17 volunteers, who offer their services two evenings a month and receive full training.

For details visit www.darlingtoncommunitysafety. org.uk/panels.htm, or call (01325) 346881 and ask for James Smith.