Media Statement Friday 14 August

FYD Statement On Herald Article “Doubt Cast On Govt Plans To Order Offenders Into Mentoring”

13/08/09

The Foundation for Youth Development (FYD) has been involved in the working party designing the Government’s “Fresh Start” youth justice initiative since its inception. FYD is pleased to learn that professional mentors, rather than volunteers, are being considered to provide the mentoring components of the programme: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10590457.

Whilst many trained volunteer mentors provide an excellent service across the country (and are an integral part of FYD’s own 14-month Project K programme), youth offenders require a specialised service and standard of care that is best delivered by a professional.

FYD has recently taken over the management of two youth offender programmes, Male Youth New Direction (MYND), an Auckland based, military style programme and Supervision with Activity (SWA), a longer court imposed sentence which is an alternative to prison.

FYD co-founder and executive director, Jo-anne Wilkinson, says: “Both MYND and SWA involve intensive professional mentoring over an extended period, based around mutual respect and positive role modeling.

“This is essential in effecting long-term behavioural change and supporting these young people to turn their lives around.”

Ends

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