Ride By Your Side involves transporting and mentoring a child or young person for a 12-month period whilst their mother is in prison. It is specifically targeted to children and young people who would otherwise not be able to maintain contact with their mother. The Program ensures that the mother and child bond is maintained and the child is supported during a difficult time in their life. Ride By Your Side engages at-risk children with an adult mentor in a relaxed environment as they are transported to and from the prison where their mother is held. A minimum 12-months participation in the program by mentors is required in order to provide stability and an ongoing presence for the child. The relationship between mentor and mentee begins when you take the child to the Correctional Centre to facilitate the visit with their mother. This occurs weekends (depending upon the best interest of the child and your availability). Should the child’s mother be released before the 12-months is up, mentoring will continue fortnightly. You and your mentee will participate in social outings and other activities tailored to meet the needs and interests of the young person. As a mentor you provide the mentee with opportunities to speak without being judged, giving them safe place to express their feelings and the challenges they would like to overcome.

All Volunteers will attend an initial interview. Upon a successful interview, Criminal Record and Working with Children Checks will be completed. An intensive one-day training package will be provided to ensure mentors are fully equipped to fulfil their roles. All mentors will receive ongoing supervision and support from SHINE for Kids.

You will be responsible for: • Safely transporting the child to visit their imprisoned mother and supervising their visit • Emotionally support the child before, during and after visits with their imprisoned mother • Ensuring a safe environment for all those who attend • Understanding the issues and challenges face by children of prisoners • Having an awareness of the issues faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally and linguistically diverse children and families

Volunteers will be required to use their own vehicles. The young person you are matched with will live in the Sydney area and the Correctional Centre you will visit will be located in the Sydney area. Everyone at SHINE for Kids from Executive staff to volunteers take seriously our commitment and responsibility to safeguarding children and young people across all our programs and services in a supportive environment that is caring, safe, nurturing, free from bullying, abuse, exploitation and neglect.

Essential Criteria:

• NSW Driver’s Licence
• Own vehicle with comprehensive car insurance
• NSW Working with Children Check or willingness to obtain
• Criminal record check
• Demonstrated experience working with children and young people