Meet Rick, our social work intern, working with our team inside Truro Magistrates’ Court. He’s a stage two Social Work undergraduate at the University of Plymouth. Thanks to Rick, we have more capacity to deal with the ever-increasing demand.
Rick has found his true passion
Rick has found his true passion as he serves as a social work intern. Everything is coming together as he builds his knowledge and experience at Court. So much so, Rick will go over and above his allotted 70-day placement. He started two months early and fully intends to continue as a volunteer when his placement ends. Rick is committed to our mission and aims for a career in Children’s Services.
Finding his new way forward
Rick has many strings to his bow, having run his own professional wedding photography business for 16 years. Throughout this time, he also supported people with autism and learning disabilities. With experience of social care, he has decided to work in child protection.
Understanding trauma at court
Rick has seen first-hand what happens after trauma. He is working around so much distress, finding solutions to complicated situations.
People can’t afford legal advice
Rick has been working in the family court. Proceedings last a long time and people struggle to meet the cost. We met Rick and he explained:
‘Solicitors are expensive. This means that many people are forced to represent themselves. We can help them understand how the court works. The Children Act 1989 underpins all decision-making. Consequently, I can share my knowledge and provide emotional support. It’s always a very proud moment when the judge thanks me and the CASS+ team.
Reaching out in kindness
We meet people from all walks of life. However, by far the largest section is people struggling with debt and financial hardship.
It’s so important that we’re here for families. If we weren’t here, hundreds of people would struggle on their own. It’s incredibly stressful when someone else is making decisions about the person you love the most. I always tell them that I really understand how this feels. It means a lot to reach out in kindness.
Connection between crime and poverty
When it comes to the criminal courts, there’s definitely a connection between crime and poverty. This is just an observation, but isn’t the system perpetuating poverty? When someone is struggling on Universal Credit and ends up with a court fine, surely this is just pushing them further into poverty, thus leading to more re-offending to survive? We do need to deal with the root of the problems. Each day, I see what this is doing to people. It’s a human rights issue. Things need to change.’
Vision for change
Rick is looking forward to the future, playing his guitar, walking the dog and climbing more mountains. But when it comes to work, he has a vision for change. He enjoys the fast pace, but he recognises that, with more and more people in need of support, the workload is a huge challenge:
There aren’t enough hours in the day to meet the needs of the people who come through our door and CASS+ needs more volunteers.
Working together
We’re indebted to our local universities for sending talent our way. This comes in the form of our incredible interns, placements, and volunteers. In Rick’s words:
This experience has fast-tracked my employability. My time with CASS+ has taken my learning to the next level. I recommend students to volunteer here. This is a phenomenal opportunity for anyone studying social work, criminology, law, psychology, counselling, public services, forensics and even teaching. There’s huge scope to learn on the job.
Contact us
Thinking of volunteering or doing your placement or internship at CASS+?
Find out about volunteering here.
Contact us now on admin@cassplus.org or 07539 837115.
