Panyappi Indigenous Youth Mentoring Program Evaluation

Panyappi Indigenous Youth Mentoring Program Evaluation
The evidence shows that mentoring with young offenders may be more intensive
or complex for young offenders than generally at risk young people (especially in
relation to mentoring frequency). Therefore, programs need to carefully
consider the implications of the target group and develop program elements and
strategies accordingly, especially:
�
�
the greater resources needed for young offenders
the greater demands on mentors.
Relationships with families
Whilst many of the mainstream strategies and intentions of mentoring are also relevant
for Indigenous young people, Panyappi believes it is critical to approach mentoring with
this group from a cultural perspective. This involves a stronger focus on, and
commitment to, rebuilding and strengthening family connections as an important aspect
of culturally appropriate practice, not just on gaining family support for the young
person’s involvement as often occurs in other mentoring programs. 25
Indigenous cultures have a more inclusive concept of family compared with many non-
Indigenous cultures, with cousins, aunties and uncles playing a critical role in young
people’s lives. Although there is a high rate of family breakdown amongst Panyappi’s
target population, there are other family connections that can be fostered, particularly
when young people are living with relatives other than their parents. These connections
may support mentoring being embedded into young people’s lives separately from and
after their involvement with Panyappi.
It is not common for mentors to have much contact with mentee’s families in mainstream
mentoring programs, as they appear to operate from an individual rather than systemic
model. Few program descriptions and evaluations mention parental or family
involvement. 22,26 This is different in Panyappi. Panyappi mentors do this in two ways:
through direct contact and by engaging the support and collaborating with the MAYT
Family team or other family support services (see the Program Collaborators diagram in
Figure 4).
Although mentors are directly involved with families, the Panyappi Coordinator takes on
the major responsibility of providing direct support and additional services for family
members that will contribute positively to the young person’s overall situation. The
Coordinator ensures families understand the role of the mentors and how Panyappi can
work with the family to support the young person, as well as respond to issues that are
difficult for the family. If Panyappi does advocacy work on behalf of the family, a good
understanding of the family picture coupled with the family’s respect and endorsement
for Panyappi to take this role is required. As part of its aims, Panyappi wants young
people to build personal resilience and strong personal and cultural identity, and
empower their sense of spirituality. One strategy is through a genealogy program,
25 ARTD (1999/2001) op cit.
26 Benard, B. (1992). Mentoring programs for urban youth: Handle with care. Northwest Regional Educational
Laboratory.
- 23 -