The Mentoring Program is intended to offer children of parents in the criminal justice system the opportunity to have a supportive, caring and non-judgmental relationship with an adult mentor.
 The mentor provides guidance and support to the child/young person, enabling them to participate in events and social activities which will enhance their growth and development.
How the Mentoring Program operates
Children and young people in the Mentoring Program ('mentees') are between the ages of 8 to 17 years old with a parent in the criminal justice system. The mentees often have little support outside their direct family unit, which can leave them feeling isolated and needing the dedication of an adult role model in their life.
The acceptance of the child into the Mentoring Program is assessed closely over numerous meetings with the mentor worker, the carer or parent and the child or young person wanting to be involved in the program.
The acceptance of the volunteer mentor into the Mentoring Program is assessed through a suitability interview, referee checks, working with children checks and a criminal record check.
 The mentee/mentor relationship is for approximately 4 hours of face-to-face contact, every second weekend, for an ongoing period of at least 12 months. The Mentor collects the mentee from their residence and undertakes activities in the community, such as a walk on the beach, watching a movie or a play in the park. After the outing the mentor returns the child or young person back to their place of residence to their carer or parent. One of the key considerations of the mentoring program is the safety of both the mentee and the child, and as such all care is taken in planning activities.
Support and guidance for all involved in the mentoring program is given by the Mentoring Coordinator and Mentor Project Worker. These workers maintain close and regular contact throughout each individual's involvement in the program.
What we look for in a mentor
We welcome women and men over 18 years of age from all different cultural, social and occupational backgrounds to participate in the mentoring program. Regardless of age or background, we are looking for people who possess the following characteristics:
- The ability to reach out to children/young people who need support and guidance
- Responsible adults, able to commit their time
- The ability to provide a positive example
- The ability to listen and communicate effectively
- The ability to be sensitive to the needs of others
- The ability to exercise good judgment
- The ability to demonstrate stability in significant areas of life
- Personally possess values that reflect those of SHINE for Kids
- Appropriate and positive motivations with a non-judgmental attitude.
As a mentor, you are a valued member of the program. We appreciate the role you play, and are committed to helping you make it a valuable experience for both yourself and the child/young person you are matched with. Throughout the training program, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions that might arise. In addition, after the training is completed and you have begun your mentoring role, the Mentoring Program team will be more than happy to address any questions or concerns you might have. We will provide you with all relevant contact details. In addition, you will have regular meetings with the Project Worker to discuss any successes, issues or questions you may have to share. Throughout the program, we welcome any suggestions you may have on how we can better support you in your role as mentor. Being a mentor is not an expensive undertaking. The most important thing you can offer is yourself and your time. We encourage you to be creative and come up with no/low budget activities to enjoy with the child/young person.
Essential criteria for mentors
To be a SHINE for Kids mentor, you must:
- Adhere to SHINE for Kids policy and procedures, including child protection, security, occupational health & safety, confidentiality and privacy laws
- Be willing to commit to a minimum of 4 hours face-to-face contact with the child/young person per fortnight for at least 12 months
- Be interviewed by a SHINE for Kids representative before commencing volunteering
- Before volunteering, successfully pass security checks:
- Working with Children Check
- Criminal Record Check
- Provide 3 personal character referees
- Attend all Mentor Training Sessions (4 full days)
- Hhave, or be willing to obtain, a First Aid Certificate
- Be willing to accept responsibility for the care of the child/young person from the time of being collected from their home until they are returned
Essential training for mentors
The four-day core Mentor Training is held free of charge for volunteers in the program. It is during this time that you will learn the skills and gain the confidence to become a mentor to a child or young person. Training includes:
- The role of the mentor
- Confidentiality
- Understanding the client group
- Values and trust
- Communication skills
- Professional guidelines for Mentors
- Challenging behaviour
- Child protection
Outcomes for mentors in the mentoring program
Personal benefits
- An opportunity to assist a child/young person
- A personal sense of achievement
- Social contact and mental stimulation
- Increased awareness of youth issues
- Increased awareness of community
- A different perspective.
Professional benefits
- A positive contribution to your resume
- Experience, particularly for students studying in areas of child care, psychology, social work, education, and justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does a SHINE for Kids mentor do?
A mentor provides a child/young person with companionship, kindness, a listening ear, and a positive example. This can be achieved through a range of activities. A one-on-one trust is built over time though sharing suitable activities and outings.
2. How much time is involved?
Mentoring occurs fortnightly, for a duration of between 2–4 hours, as well as travelling time to the child’s house. We ask that mentors commit to a minimum of one year volunteering in the mentoring program. Many of these children/young people have experienced rejection and disappointment in the past and do not need another inconsistent relationship.
3. How are the Mentors matched with the child/young person?
After the mentors have been prepared for their roles, each is matched with a young person. The project worker will decide who should be paired with whom. Decisions will be based on similarities, such as gender, cultural background, or schedule, geographical imperatives, interests and hobbies. Initial meetings between mentors and mentee will be facilitated by the project worker.
4. Is training really necessary?
Upon beginning the mentoring role, the mentor will be glad they were provided with certain skills that will enable them to feel confident, prepared and successful as they fulfil their expectations and goals as mentors. Training will also better prepare mentors for certain challenges and obstacles which may arise through the mentoring process.
5. What happens when problems arise in the mentoring relationship?
In any one-to-one relationship, things do not always go as planned and mentoring relationships are no exception. Personality clashes, misunderstandings, unrealistic expectation and lack of direction are all factors that may make for a less-than-satisfactory relationship. The program worker welcomes feedback from the mentors and will work with the mentor to make sure it is a mutually beneficial experience for everyone involved. The main thing is for mentors to make their supervisors aware when problems arise so they may work through them together.
6. Does mentoring make a difference?
Mentors do make a big difference in the life of a child/young person. Research shows that mentoring by a caring adult, impacts positively on academic performance, emotional health, peer and social interactions, self-esteem, social responsibility, and communication skills of young people.
Children and young people being mentored are better able to break the cycle and make positive choices. The long-term effects of the mentoring carry on into adulthood.
Become a volunteer mentor with SHINE for Kids
Central Western NSW: 02 6328 9900
Sydney: 02 4573 3900
Melbourne: 03 9688 2900or SKY Intake: 03 9605 1900
Attend an interview and provide a copy of your resume, 3 checkable referees and complete a working with children check and a criminal record check.
If accepted into the program you will be required to undertake four days of core mentor training.
Contact the Mentoring Program in your area to discuss the options of volunteering within this program.
|
