By Belinda Nolan
MYLINH Huynh is used to being snatched from her dreams.
The police often haul the Deer Park resident out of bed in the small hours of the morning.
She has been called to the Sunshine, Keilor Downs and Footscray police stations at two in the morning and asked to sit in an interview room until dawn.
But Mylinh has never been in trouble with the law.
Strange as it may seem, she has actually volunteered for the role.
The 29-year-old is a volunteer for the Youth Referral and Independent Person Program, an award-winning not-for-profit initiative which provides support to young offenders.
Under the program, volunteers sit in on police interviews for young people who have no parent or guardian to guide them.
It can be emotionally draining … but is also extremely rewarding.
“I really enjoy it,” Mylinh said.
“Every case, and every young person, is different.
“It keeps it fresh and interesting.”
A social worker, Mylinh has always been passionate about youth welfare.
Although she works full time, the dedicated volunteer always finds time to help vulnerable young people.
“It’s pretty flexible,” she said.
“Sometimes, I get called in two or three times in one week, but sometimes I don’t get called for weeks.
“And yes, I do sometimes get called in the middle of the night, but I don’t mind.
“I’m now used to the phone ringing at 2am.”
The program desperately needs volunteers from the western suburbs to keep it running.
For more information call 9340 3777.
