Young Womens Program
Our Mentor Screening and Training Process
Information for young people and parents (guardians) about the Young Womens Program
The WAM Young Women’s Program supports young women and non-binary people aged 12–24 who may be going through a challenging time and could benefit from having a trusted, supportive adult in their corner. You do not need to have been involved with the justice system to take part. In fact, the program is designed to provide support early, before difficulties become bigger or lead to involvement with police or the courts.
Young people come to WAM for many different reasons. They may be experiencing challenges at home, family violence, difficulties at school, unstable housing, financial pressures, mental health or substance-use concerns, social isolation, or relationships that don’t always feel safe or supportive. Through mentoring, WAM provides a safe and non-judgemental relationship with a trained volunteer mentor who can listen, encourage and help a young person build confidence, connection and a stronger sense of direction.
For parents, carers and guardians, you don’t need to know whether your young person “fits” the program before getting in touch. If you are concerned about what they are experiencing, or simply feel they could benefit from some additional support and a positive adult relationship outside their immediate family, we encourage you to contact the WAM Young Women’s Program team to talk about whether mentoring may be appropriate.
Professional Referring to our Young Womens Program
Young Women and non-binary folks aged 12-24 years may be eligible for support through Women and Mentoring’s (WAM) Young Women’s Program including those with no current or prior justice involvement, if they face circumstances known to increase the risk of criminalisation
WHO IS THE PROGRAM FOR / WHO CAN BE REFERRED:
Participants are often navigating multiple, intersecting challenges linked to systemic disadvantage, limited access to opportunity, and unmet support needs. Some may have previous justice involvement, whilst others may be in vulnerable circumstances that increase the likelihood of future contact.
Mentors are not clinicians or case managers. However, their voluntary role creates space for a meaningful connection with a positive adult role model - someone who walks alongside the young person without judgment or agenda.
Before referring please read the YWP Referral Information sheet and Early Intervention Referral Guide for more detailed information and befor filling out the YWP Participant referral form.
Watch our video series to understand the mentoring role and program
Operating in the Frankston, Mornington Peninsula, Kingston, Dandenong and Casey regions, the program offers voluntary, strengths-based mentoring support tailored to the unique needs and interests of each individual.
Participants are matched with a trained, screened and compassionate volunteer mentor who offers consistent emotional and practical support. The mentoring relationship is built on trust, empowerment, and mutual respect, allowing participants to explore new interests and pursue their goals at their own pace.
Becoming a mentor in our Young Womens Program
Initially established in partnership with Taskforce, we offer an early intervention mentoring program for young women, gender diverse and non-binary folk aged 12-24 in south-east metro region who are navigating a range of challenges that put them at a higher likelihood of coming into contact with the legal system.
To become a mentor, read the mentor position description and watch the VIDEO: Walk beside Her to get a deeper understanding of the program. If you’d like more information or are keen to take the next step, please fill out the expression of interest form on this page, we can answer any questions and send you out an application form.
Once we have received your application form, we will invite you to participate in a phone interview. All prospective mentors are required to complete our training program so that you feel equipped and have understood the requirements of the role. This training program covers areas including mentoring, the justice system, building and developing relationships, managing difficulties, well-being and safety, reporting and evaluation. This valuable and important training is usually conducted over two full days.
All mentors will undertake a Police Check and may be required to have a Working with Children Check. Women with lived experience of the justice system, or who have experienced other complexities and challenges in their life are welcome to apply.
If you live, work or spend time in the south east and are aged between 20-30 years old, we’d love to hear from you about becoming a mentor in our Young Women’s Program.
