Mentoring Program
“Reflecting Christ’s love by walking with kids in care, building hope filled and intentional relationships.”
What is Mentoring?
Research shows us that the outcomes for children entering adulthood from out of home care are poorer than their peers in the community across every indicator. For those with a care experience, research has shown that “stronger connectedness to people and place is associated with higher life satisfaction, resilience and emotional well-being — affirming that people heal and thrive in supportive relationships and community”.
Mentoring fosters connection which promotes healing and resilience and can change outcomes for kids in care.
Our mentoring program is focused on relationship, not goals. We match kids with volunteer adults who are safe and are for them in the world.
Each region of Tasmania has a dedicated Mentoring Program staff member, in the South this is Ellie, in the North it is Anthea and in the Northwest Natalia.
Screening
Fostering Hope takes child safety seriously, part of this means that we have a rigorous screening process for anyone interested in becoming a mentor. We require a Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP)registration, a National Police Check, an application form, an interview, referee checks, trauma awareness and mentor skills training (delivered in house and tailored to the program), ChildSafe training and we offer Carers the option of a Child Safety Check.
All mentors are required to follow our Child Protection Policy and Mentoring Program Policy, both of which are available upon request.
Mentoring Relationship
Once Mentors have completed the screening process, they are matched with a mentee by the local Fostering Hope Mentoring Program staff member. Typically, mentees are aged 7-12 when they commence mentoring, however children/youth outside those ages won’t be turned away based on age. We always match based on what is best for the child.
Once matched, the Fostering Hope staff member will meet with the Mentor, Mentee and Carer to talk about the Mentoring Relationship. The Mentoring Agreement outlines agreed upon places to go, times and activities and what to do if any party has any concerns. Usually, mentoring will happen weekly or fortnightly for an hour or two.
This meeting gives the mentor and mentee the opportunity to meet and see if there is a good fit. The mentor and child are both given the option to say no if they don’t feel comfortable with the arrangements.
Supervision
After each session the mentor completes our online Session Reflection Form, this provides the mentor a chance to reflect on what went well, what was challenging and the mentoring relationship. These responses come to the relevant Fostering Hope staff member; they also provide a record of the session and a good basis for supervision conversations.
The Fostering Hope Mentoring Program staff provide support and supervision through regular phone calls and meetings. Every six months there are Mentor Gatherings in each region of the state to upskill and support mentors.
