Panyappi Indigenous Youth Mentoring Program Evaluation

Program process
Interagency collaboration through an Advisory Group
Panyappi Indigenous Youth Mentoring Program Evaluation
Interagency collaboration is variable at the Advisory Group level due to differences of
opinion about the location and auspicing arrangements for Panyappi, and the disruption
this creates when meetings are held, detracting from commitments to collaboration
made in the early stages of the program. Advisory Group meetings have become
infrequent, especially since mid-2003, and the Panyappi Coordinator initiated most
liaisons with Advisory Group members at an individual level on an “as needs” basis. The
viability of the current Advisory Group structure is uncertain and alternatives could be
considered.
Referrals
Since Panyappi commenced it has consistently received referrals, although assessments
and service delivery has increased since early 2003. The young people assessed and
considered by Panyappi for mentoring support fit the profile originally identified in the
planning of the program back in 2001. Therefore, Panyappi has addressed the intended
target group, while also expanding the inner city focus in response to the location shifts
of this group of young people. They arrive with multiple and often serious problems, both
personally and in their immediate networks. Responding to these needs requires multiagency
collaboration (see below), although young people and families can be reluctant to
engage with other services beyond the statutory ones with whom they are obligated to
be involved.
Project Coordinator role
Over the course of the program, three Coordinators were appointed, with the second
Coordinator staying a very brief time. There was a 5 month gap before the third
Coordinator started in February 2003. The opinion of both Advisory Group members and
program funders was that the program was currently managed quite well and gained
strong support from its auspicing agency.
Most criticism related to issues known to be beyond the current program’s control, such
as ensuring sustainability, ongoing effects from previous disruptions in staff, and
limitations on how many young people they can work with due to the time needed to train
staff, and uncertain funding arrangements that compromise any guarantee of an ongoing
service.
Mentors: Recruitment, training and linking with young people
Mentors were recruited and appointed in two main phases. All mentors received several
forms of training:
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The Certificate III in Community Services (Youth Work) qualification
Orientation training program for new workers in FAYS
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