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 As well as mentoring for children of prisoners, SHINE for Kids extends the benefits of mentoring in a program for young people transitioning from a Juvenile Justice Centre back into the community.
Young people leaving the juvenile justice system may be at risk of reoffending; studies have shown that its incidence is dependent on the degree of support received by the young people upon leaving a centre. SHINE for Kids aims to reduce the recidivism rates of young offenders by linking detainees with a mentor to assist them through their transitional period and to promote attitudinal change within the mentee.
Frank Baxter Juvenile Justice Centre, the only centre of its kind in New South Wales, is located at Kariong near Gosford. The centre accommodates up to 120 young men aged 16 to 21 years.
In late 2010, SHINE for Kids liaised with staff and detainees at Frank Baxter to explain the concept of mentoring. With the support of staff at the Visual Arts Department at Girrakool School, SHINE engaged the detainees in a competition to name the program and create artwork for posters and brochures – giving them a sense of ownership of the program and increasing their willingness to participate. The result was 'Stand As One'.
Read more about the 'Stand As One' art competition at Frank Baxter »
Interesting in making a difference to the life of a young detainee in Juvenile Justice? Find out how to become a mentor with SHINE for Kids »
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