Become a leaving care mentor

Leaving care mentors support young people who have left or are getting ready to leave out-of-home care.

The mentoring program matches young people aged 15 years and 9 months to 21 years old with volunteer mentors, as well as business and industry mentors. Mentors provide personal support and a connection to the community for young people who are transitioning out of care.

Locations

There are mentoring opportunities in 2 of our regions:

• Shepparton area in North Eastern Victoria (Hume region)
• Gippsland region in South Eastern Victoria (South Eastern region).

What’s involved

Leaving care mentors are volunteers in the community who create a supportive environment for young people.

Mentors are positive role models for young people to look up to and learn from. You’ll have regular catch ups with a young person to build a trusting relationship and help to nurture their skills and pathways.

It is vital for young people's success in transition to independence that they develop key links in the community outside the service system. A good relationship with a mentor is key for this to occur.

Community Connections

Leaving care mentor opportunities are also available within Community Connections, part of the Better Futures program.

Community Connections gives young people opportunities to join outings and activities to help connect them to their community. Young people are also connected to job and education opportunities to help them work towards their personal and professional goals.

Eligibility requirements

To become a mentor, you’ll need to be over the age of 21, pass a Working with Children Check and a National Police Check, as well as undergo accreditation training.

Register your interest in mentoring opportunities

If you live in the Shepparton area in North Eastern Victoria, please contact us on 03 5822 8100.

If you live in Berry Street’s Gippsland region in South East Victoria, call 03 5134 5971 or email gippsland@berrystreet.org.au.