The Justice Mentor Program is funded to deliver mentor support to Aboriginal persons exiting the justice system in Tasmania. Funded by DEEWR, the Program has a primary focus on placing participants into employment and education. The success of the Program hinges on the support of the Aboriginal community across the State and on the expertise of the workers and mentors recruited into the Program. Community mentors and elders also contribute by participating in a number of activities that encourage dialogue with culture and country as part of the participants’ reintegration back into their family and community.
Cultural Camps
Cultural camps are organised to encourage a sense of connection to country and to allow potential community mentors to be involved in JMP. The participation of an Aboriginal community mentor also makes a significant difference to outcomes of the Program. Cultural camps give participants the opportunity to experience time together and to reflect on their journey forward beyond detention. The involvement of the Aboriginal community through mentors, elders and the Aboriginal Gathering Group is a critical ingredient for Program participants’ sense of ownership and connection with significant others across the community after their release from detention.
Cultural camps are organised to encourage a sense of connection to country and to allow potential community mentors to be involved in JMP. The participation of an Aboriginal community mentor also makes a significant difference to outcomes of the Program. Cultural camps give participants the opportunity to experience time together and to reflect on their journey forward beyond detention. The involvement of the Aboriginal community through mentors, elders and the Aboriginal Gathering Group is a critical ingredient for Program participants’ sense of ownership and connection with significant others across the community after their release from detention.
