SHINE for Kids is the only national charity to provide services to support children and young people from infancy through to reaching adulthood at 18, our programs operate in secure, open custody, and transitional correctional facilities throughout NSW, ACT, VIC and QLD. SHINE for Kids programs are designed to provide positive opportunities to reduce the likelihood of children transitioning into child protection and justice systems, help avoid family fragmentation, and to reduce both juvenile and adult recidivism.

The Education Program provides students with an incarcerated parent with a dedicated mentor who will provide them with support in the classroom for a 12 month period. This may be in the classroom with class work, building their confidence in social environments, or in the playground playing ball and talking about whatever is on their mind that day. The program aims to increase school attendance, educational outcomes, self-esteem and decrease antisocial behaviour and school suspensions.

Education Mentors are responsible for providing one on one mentoring in the classroom weekly for one hour to a student with a parent in prison. By providing the student with a positive role model and someone to advocate for them within the school environment you are ensuring they don’t just survive a difficult time in their life but that they thrive.