Abstract

KIDS HOPE AUS: An Early Intervention Mentoring Model

Author(s)

Marylin Leermakers -World Vision Australia

Mrs Susan Rogers -World Vision Australia

The Kids Hope Aus. Program Was Originally Founded In The U.S.A. In 1993.  In 2003 The Program Was Licensed As One Of World Vision Australia's Domestic Programs.  Kids Hope Aus Is Part Of World Vision Australia's Strategy To Implement Best-Practice Community Development Programs  That Are Recognised For Their Positive Impact In The Lives Of Marginalised People.The First Kids Hope Aus Programs Began In 2004. Since Then, Over 270 Programs Have Been Established With 2700 Children Matched With A Mentor Who Meets With Them For One Hour Per Week. The Program Is Now Being Expanded Into Communities With High Indigenous Representation.

The Intervention Design Is Built Around Three Distinct Features Including: A  Screening Process That Identifies At-Risk Children For Potential Inclusion In The Program; The Facilitation Of A Sixty-Minute Session Each Week With A Trained Mentor And An Identified Child ; The Partnership Of A Church Organisation With A Primary School To Facilitate The Mentoring Relationship And The Delivery Of The Program In The School.

The Prevalence Of Academic Failure  And Social Disengagement In Young School Children In Australia Is Significant. The Impact Of These Problems On The Mental Health Of At-Risk Children, Their Families And School Personnel Highlights The Need For Efficacious Intervention Frameworks That Promote The Mental Health And Well-Being Of All Children.

World Vision Australia's Kids Hope Aus. Program Is An Early Intervention / Prevention Program Withthe Potential To Target Children With  Early Signs Of Developmental Risk, And Ameliorate The Effects Of Specific Risk Factors That Might Otherwise Have Long Term Negative Impacts On Their Life Choices And Life Chances