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 will provide guidance and support to the child/young person. They will enable the child/young person to participate in events and social activities which will enhance their growth and development.
The key goal of the Mentoring Program
Children and young people with a parent in the criminal justice system who are confident, happy, trusting, and empowered with the ability to choose healthy options for dealing with life experiences.
The aims of the Mentoring Program are:
- to provide stability and consistency, enhancing the life of a child/young person, whilst at the same time ensuring that the needs of the child/young person are being met; without intruding into their own family structure.
- for the child/young person to develop new, and improve existing skills and/or interests
- to enable the child/young person to participate in events and social activities which will enhance their development and esteem
- to develop a supportive, caring and non-judgmental relationship with an adult mentor which will encourage their personal growth through fortnightly mentoring over the period of least 12 months
- to provide individual attention to the child/young person
- for the child/young person to talk to someone who is there just for them
- build on and develop self esteem, communication and interpersonal skills through ongoing interaction and socialisation.
The objectives of the Mentoring Program are to:
- link a child/young person with an independent adult who is willing to engage in a volunteering capacity a child/young person
- provide a support system which will encourage and aid in the development and personal growth of the child/young person
- provide the means and opportunities for the child/young person to develop new skills and/or interests, aiding to improve existing skills and/or interests
- encourage and support the child/young person to develop positive, personal outlooks (build on their self esteem, communication and interpersonal skills)
- provide consistency and stability in the life of a child/young person without intruding with the child/young person’s own family structure
- provide the child/young person with healthy options for dealing with life experiences.
Mentoring Program operations
Children and young people in the mentoring program 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 the individuals involvement in the program.
Mentees in the program
It is important all mentors understand the issues faced by children of prisoners. Although children of prisoners are not to blame for the mistakes of their parents, they inevitably suffer as a consequence. Children of prisoners may experience any of the following:
- Stigmatised – feeling they aren't as good as others
- Ostracised/ignored – left out
- Missing out – on time with Mum or Dad and on activities, because there isn't enough money
- Angry – at Dad, at Mum, at the police, at themselves
- Deserted – betrayed, let down
- Frightened – about Mum or Dad not being OK and about what is going to happen to them now
- Humiliated/embarrassed – most kids wouldn't dare tell any of their friends
- Stressed – stress can trigger anger/aggression, fits of crying, even bedwetting
- Guilty – a lot of kids feel like it is their fault that mum or dad is in jail
- Confused by changes in family dynamics
- Insecure – most kids no longer feel safe and secure, they miss their parent
- Low in self-esteem
- Having to become the adult
Outcomes for children and young people in the mentoring program
- Increased ability to trust
- Life experiences through recreation/social activities
- Increased self-esteem
- Increased social network
- Increased willingness to try new things
- Different perspective
- Increased sense of self
- Increased sense of feeling valued and respected
- Increased confidence and ability to achieve.
Interested in becoming a Mentor with SHINE for Kids? Read more »
Do you know of a child with a parent or carer in prison who could benefit from this program? Read more »
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