IAC - Adam's Story

Adam (not his real name) started using heroin when he was just 14. He was addicted for nearly 15 years. From age 15 he was in and out of remand homes and later prison for theft and burglaries committed to fund his habit.

In 2009 he completed a detox programme and had been free from drugs for a short time when he was convicted of robbery. Desperate not to go to prison again and to avoid using drugs, Adam was offered an Intensive Alternative to Custody (IAC) Order.

As part of the Order, Adam spends two hours a week with a CSV volunteer mentor who offers positive encouragement and practical support and helps him to comply with the intensive requirements of his IAC Order.

Adam’s volunteer mentor has also helped him build confidence in social settings and the ability to engage with others in a positive way. Before he met his mentor, Adam was often sullen and unwilling to engage with people in authority. Three months down the line he has spoken at an Advisory Board meeting attended by senior figures within West Yorkshire Probation.
 
Adam feels that he is able to talk to his Mentor in a way that he cannot talk to other people. Now, with the support of his Mentor, Adam is able to talk through his problems rather than bottling them up and turning to crime. Without the support of his Volunteer Mentor, Adam believes he may well have re-offended.

Could you volunteer as a mentor to someone like Adam? Call Karen Gardner on 01274 737 266.