Get support
WAM supports women facing criminal charges, at risk of offending or in contact with the legal system, and are identified as needing additional support to improve their outcomes.
Participating in the program means spending time every week with a volunteer mentor. The mentor is committed to you. She will support, encourage, and occasionally challenge you.
A mentoring relationship gives you the chance to look at things from a different perspective, to gain confidence, and access the opportunities available to you.
Mentoring can lead to improvements in self-esteem, better coping skills, and increased connection with the community.
Some relationships are focused on practical tasks, while others are centred around conversation, or involve participation in community activities. A mentoring relationship can change as your needs do.
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Women who live in metro/suburban Melbourne who are considered at-risk of offending, or facing criminal charges, on community corrections orders or on parole. WAM can also support women who have contact with the courts for family violence intervention orders, or with child protection matters. Women in other areas may also be considered on a case-by-case basis and the location of available mentors. Everyone is screened for risk, motivation, and readiness before being matched with a mentor.
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In collaboration with partner agency, Taskforce, we are working with young women aged 12-24 in the South-East metro region, who are at risk of becoming entrenched in the criminal justice system.
By providing mentoring support, we will be part of a local response and intervention to support young women and girls who may be known to youth justice or child protection, or identified as being at risk of being involved in the justice system. More information >
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Provide social support and catch up regularly
Give support at court and other appointments
Help to find and access local services and community activities
Offer personal and practical assistance
Provide support to develop and implement coping strategies
Explore volunteering, training, or employment opportunities
Assist in working off fines through the WDP program