PROGRAM

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Jean Rhodes - Keynote Speaker

Internationally renowned author and researcher, Jean will discuss current mentoring research findings and the importance of creating and supporting positive mentoring relationships for vulnerable young people.

Jean Rhodes is Professor of Psychology at the University of Massachusetts in Boston. She has conducted extensive research on both natural and assigned mentoring relationships in the lives of youth. She and her colleagues have analysed longitudinal data that was collected from over 1,000 urban adolescents who participated in a national study of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. She has studied the predictors and effects of relationship duration, as well as the processes that govern mentors' influence. Her findings provide ample evidence of the extraordinary potential of mentoring relationships, while also exposing the rarely acknowledged risk for harm that unsuccessful relationships can render. Jean is a Fellow in the American Psychological Association and the Society for Research and Community Action and a member of the John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Transitions to Adulthood. She has published two books, two edited volumes, and many articles and chapters on the topic of youth mentoring. Jean is the author of a research column for the National Mentoring Partnerships' website: www.mentoring.org. Her book, Stand by me: The risks and rewards of youth mentoring was published by Harvard Press in 2002.

Dianne Dalley - Keynote Speaker

Dianne Dalley will review current international models of mentoring including trends, innovations and evaluations.

Dianne Dalley is a Senior Manager in the provincial Ministry of Children's Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; a position she has held for 20 years. During this time she has been a consultant, strategic planner and is currently responsible for the development of program policy design and implementation in Early Intervention and Prevention Services for children, youth and their families. Dianne has worked on many inter governmental initiatives including the Alberta Children's Initiative, the provincial Home Visitation Program and the National Crime Prevention through Community Action Program.

Dianne's current project is working on the foundational development of the Alberta Mentoring Partnership, a collaborative venture between community and government to support the growth of sustainable mentoring across the province. As part of this mandate Dianne provides consultation and technical support to new and existing programs, organises conferences, provides workshops and is responsible for establishing projects to pilot mentoring programs in isolated and diverse communities, for example in Aboriginal communities, both on and off reserve, with multicultural groups and youth with young offender or child welfare status. Dianne Dalley is launching a new program this spring that will see mentoring services established to support youth when they return to their home communities from young offender centres in the major cities. Communities are very excited about these possibilities as they provide real ways they can positively support the healthy growth and development for some of their more at risk youth. As part of Dianne's work, she has also been on study tours to the USA to visit state mentoring partnerships, mentoring centres and agencies. She has an enormous amount of enthusiasm for the industry and will enjoy sharing her experiences at the conference.

Marcia Neave - Keynote Speaker

Marcia Neave is the Chairperson of the Victorian Law Reform Commission. She is currently on leave from Monash University where she holds a personal chair in the Law Faculty.

Professor Neave is a graduate of the University of Melbourne and a fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia. She formerly held a Chair in the Research School of Social Sciences, Australian National University, and was the John Bray Professor of Law at Adelaide University and the Dean of the Adelaide Law School from 1987-1989. She is a member of New York University's Global Law Faculty.

Professor Neave was President of the Commonwealth Administrative Review Council from 1995-1999. She has been a part-time Commissioner of the New South Wales Law Reform Commission and of the former Law Reform Commission of Victoria. Until 1995 she was a member of the Victorian Law Reform Advisory Council. She was a member and later Deputy Chair of the Australian National Council on AIDS and chaired the Commonwealth Government's Working Party on Legal Issues and HIV/AIDS.

At the New South Wales Law Reform Commission Professor Neave was involved in work on accident compensation law. In 2002 she chaired an expert group of the Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council Jurisdictional Working Party on Medical Indemnity, to consider legal process reform (the Legal Process Reform Group).

David White - Keynote Speaker

Executive Director of BBBS Australia, David has been involved with Mentoring since 1984. In 1985 he started with the fledgling BBBS Melbourne and over the next 15 years built it into a strong and viable program.

David spent the next two years managing a state-wide child protection program before returning as the inaugural Director of BBBS Australia.

Prior to his career in mentoring young people at risk, David worked in juvenile justice, homelessness and child protection.

Following the receipt of a Churchill Fellowship, David focussed on best practice principles in the development of BBBS model of mentoring across Australia.

Bernadette McMenamin - Keynote Speaker

Bernadette McMenamin is the National Director of CHILD WISE, the Australian arm of ECPAT in Australia.

ECPAT is an international network of organisations committed to ending the sexual exploitation of children. Bernadette worked as a founding member of ECPAT International in Thailand in 1992. She then formed ECPAT in Australia in 1993.

For over 20 years Bernadette has worked on advocacy and social justice campaigns both in Australia and overseas on issues such as the rights to public housing, refugees and childrens' rights. Under her leadership Child Wise (ECPAT in Australia) is known for its effective lobbying and innovative programs. In recognition ECPAT Australia has received The Australian Tourism Award 1995, The Australian Human Rights Award 1996 and the Australian Council for Overseas Human Rights Award 1999.

Bernadette also created The Choose With Care program which assists agencies working with children build child safe and child friendly environments. Choose With Care was voted the Overall Winner of the National Child Protection Award.

Bernadette is regarded as an expert on the issue of the global sexual exploitation of children and has developed many child abuse prevention and training programs which have been implemented in Australia, South East Asia and the Pacific.

In honour of these achievements Bernadette was voted Australian of the Year for Victoria in 2003.

Peter Slattery - Keynote Speaker

Peter will facilitate a 'dramathetical' to explore particular issues relevant to youth mentoring
in Australia.

Peter Slattery is a therapist, educator, facilitator and trainer, who has worked with adults, young people and their families in the community, health and youth fields for 25 years. He has worked in a variety of settings both institutional and non-institutional in Australia and overseas. Over these years he has had extensive experience in the training of workers and has presented at conferences and conducted programs throughout Australia, England, Scotland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Hong Kong and most recently in East Timor, New Zealand and Canada.

Within Australia Peter has presented at numerous Universities and Colleges of Advanced Education and conducted training for many government agencies, including the Department of Corrective Services, Juvenile Justice, Community Services, Health, Employment Education and Training, School Education, and the New South Wales Police Service. He has presented for a variety of training organisations including the Centre for Education and Information on Drugs and Alcohol, the Centre for Community Welfare Training, the Institute of Psychiatry and the New South Wales Youth Sector Training Council.

His training video on working with young people, "Questions of Choice", is used by workers throughout Australia and overseas, and he is the author of the recently published "Youth works. A very practical book about working with young people".

Peter's particular interest has been in developing creative approaches both theoretical and practical, for working with people in trouble or in crisis. He is known for his work around issues often considered sensitive or sometimes difficult, such as sexuality, cultural difference, violence, relationships, masculinity and gender issues and drug use. The framework that he has developed draws on therapy, theatre and education, as well as diverse other sources and is the basis of both his direct work and the training programs which he conducts.

The Hon. Justice Nahum Mushin - Keynote Speaker

The Honorable Justice Nahum Mushin will be conducting the closing ceremony and farewell. Nahum Mushin was born in Melbourne in 1945. He was educated at Melbourne High School (1959-1962) and Monash University. He then practised as a solicitor at Oakleigh in most areas of law with a special interest in matrimonial causes from 1970-1980. He went to the Victorian Bar in March, 1980 and practised in commercial, industrial and common law with increasing speciality in family law. By 1984-1985 Nahum practised almost exclusively in family law.

While at the Bar Nahum was very active in law reform and continuing legal education. In 1985-1986 he consulted to the Matrimonial Property Reference of the Australian Law Reform Commission.

He was appointed to the Bench of the Family Court of Australia in October, 1990. He has served on a number of Court Committees and presently chairs the Chief Justice's Advisory Committee on Ethnic Issues. Between 1995-1997 he was a member of National Alternative Disputes Resolution Advisory Committee. 1996-1999 he represented the Court on Victorian Legal Aid Community Consultative Committee.

Nahum is currently Chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Melbourne and Patron of Chances for Children, Mildura.

Program Overview

STAND BY ME is a journey through the maze of issues for anyone working in or planning to work in mentoring services.
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The conference begins with the drawing together of international research. Jean Rhodes will examine results of programs and agencies on the international arena. She will explore models that have been evaluated and measured, examining the research and determining the true effect of mentoring.

Next we examine the models that exist on the world stage. Dianne Dalley will present a range of models of mentoring that she has either established herself or been closely involved with. This will include school based, community based, group mentoring, couples, indigenous, juvenile justice and so on.

This leads to the operational aspects of mentoring with the presentation of best practice principles in the operational side of mentoring, followed by the examination of the legal and insurance aspects. Finally we explore the all important child safety issues within the program structure.

Our final day will link us to established networks and create new networks as we examine social trends in our community and come to understand exactly what mentoring will be able to respond to within our communities.
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STAND BY ME has been fortunate to have had extremely high quality presenters from a wide range of services:

Learning forums will include:
>> Four different models of school based mentoring

>> A close look at mentoring within the disability sector

>> Community based models of mentoring from NSW, SA, VIC, and WA.

>> Juvenile Justice models from Victoria and New Zealand and substance abuse client focussed mentoring from Victoria.

>> Indigenous models now operating in South Australia and Western Australia

>> How do we evaluate our programs and try and lock in ongoing funding? This question will also be explored within the learning forum environment.

>> Screening and training of volunteers will be examined as an essential part of ensuring best practice principles and child safety standards are maintained.

>> Internet or e-mentoring will be explored, especially in relation to remote regions and communities.
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The STAND BY ME breakfast session, "Tips and Tools" will be lead by mentoring practitioners on a range of different topics. Delegates will have the opportunity to discuss specific themes from specially selected program areas.

>> Community based
>> School work transition
>> School based
>> On-site
>> Indigenous
>> Juvenile Justice, substance abuse, child protection and mental health
>> Disability
>> Mentoring boys only

Enjoy the atmosphere, be challenged by the content, express your views, learn new skills and meet those with the experience.

>> The latest publications on mentoring will be on sale to all delegates from the University of Melbourne Bookshop stall at the conference venue.

Registration Information

REGISTRATION FEES
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Early Bird (2 August 2004) = $330.00
Between 2 August and 19 August = $440.00
From 20 August 2004 = $550.00

REGISTRATION ENTITLEMENTS
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Entry into plenary and learning forums

Lunch

Morning and afternoon tea

Conference satchel

Final Program and Abstract Book

"Tips and Tools" breakfast session

PAYMENT
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All prices quoted are in Australian dollars and payments in any other currency will not be accepted. Registration cannot be confirmed until full payment is received.

ICMS can accept the following methods of payment:

Cheque/Money Order/Bank Draft: Please make payable to "Stand by Me 2004"

CREDIT CARD
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All major credit cards are accepted. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. Credit Card payments will appear as ICMS Pty Ltd on your credit card statement.

REGISTRATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
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Your registration will be acknowledged via fax or by post within 3 to 5 working days of receipt of the registration form.

ALTERATIONS
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Alterations to your registration will not be accepted over the telephone. Alterations must be in writing via:

E-mail: registration@icms.com.au

Fax: 03 9682 0288

Post: Stand by Me, C/- 84 Queensbridge Street, Southbank VIC 3006 Australia

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
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Cancellations must be advised in writing to the Conference Secretariat. Cancellations received by Monday, 19 July 2004 will receive a refund of registration fees, less an administrative charge of $100.00.
Cancellations received after this date will not be refunded.

ON-SITE REGISTRATIONS
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If you have not registered by Friday, 20 August 2004, you will need to register on-site. The registration desk will be open from Tuesday, 31 August 2004. On-site delegates are not guaranteed a Conference Satchel.

REGISTRATION DESK
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Tuesday, 31 August 2004: 10:00am - 6:00pm
Wednesday, 1 September 2004: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday, 2 September 2004: 8:00am - 2:00pm

Social Program

CONFERENCE DINNER
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Date: Tuesday, 31 August 2004

Time: 7.00pm - 11.00pm

Venue: Parkside Room, Eden on the Park

Cost: Conference Delegate: $65.00

Additional ticket: $75.00

Dress Code: Semi formal

An invitation is extended to all delegates to attend the conference dinner. This semi formal function will introduce young people who have been mentored
in the past and who are now mentors. It will also present some very interesting and unique insights by mentors themselves.

Hosted by a very special and high profile guest interviewer, the conference dinner will provide delegates with an opportunity to relax with colleagues, meet new
friends and gain a very personal understanding of the role and effect of mentoring on all involved.

Accommodation Information

ICMS Travel, as the official housing bureau for the conference, has been able to secure discounted accommodation rates at selected hotels. Reservations need to be made before Monday, 26 July 2004. The room rates are per night and do not include breakfast.

Accommodation will be allocated in order of receipt of bookings and payment. Each delegate should complete a separate accommodation form, a clear photocopy of the form is acceptable.

ARRIVAL TIME
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Please indicate on your accommodation form your estimated time of arrival to the hotel. Check-in time is usually between 1.00pm to 3.00pm. Should you wish to guarantee your room is ready before the hotel check-in time it is recommended that you book and pay for the room for the evening prior to your arrival. Failure to advise your arrival time may mean that your room will be released.

DEPOSIT
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To secure your reservation a deposit equivalent to one night's room tariff is required. If paying by credit card, your details will be passed onto the hotel as a guarantee. The hotel may not initially deduct a deposit payment from your credit card but may charge you full payment at the time of check-out. Bookings cannot be made until ICMS Travel receives your payment or credit card details. Room rates are in Australian Dollars and include the Australian Goods and Services Tax (10%GST).

PAYMENT
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The Conference Secretariat can accept the following methods of payment:

Cheque/Money Order/Bank Draft: Please make payable to "ICMS Travel Trust".

Credit Card: All major credit cards are accepted: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa.

CHANGE OF BOOKING
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Alterations to your accommodation booking will not be accepted over the telephone. Alterations must be in writing via:

E-mail: registration@icms.com.au

Fax: +61 3 9682 0288

Post: Stand By Me, C/- 84 Queensbridge Street Southbank VIC 3006 Australia

Please note the Conference Secretariat cannot accept new accommodation bookings or amendments to existing bookings after Monday, 26 July 2004.

Accommodation bookings and amendments after Monday, 26 July 2004 will need to be forwarded directly to the hotel.

CANCELLATION OF BOOKING
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Cancellations must be advised in writing to the Conference Secretariat. The deposit will be forfeited for all cancellations received after Monday, 26 July 2004, or if the room is not occupied on the advised date of arrival.

Hotels

EDEN ON THE PARK
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4.5 star
6 Queens Road
Melbourne VIC 3004

Standard Room $130.00
Junior Suite $235.00
King Suite $250.00

Eden on the Park is where you'll enjoy elegance, service and the ultimate in comfort and convenience. The hotel can provide private fax machines, desktop and laptop computers and in-room video conferencing capabilities, upon request. Features include a fantastic gymnasium and swimming pool and the Niche Café which serves international cusine.

BAYVIEW ON THE PARK
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4 star
52 Queens Road
Melbourne VIC 3004

Premier Room $130.00

Bayview on the Park is situated opposite Albert Park Lake and golf course, a short tram ride away from the central business district, cosmopolitan St Kilda and Port Phillip Bay. The conference venue is a five minute walk from Bayview on the Park. Each room features floor to ceiling windows and pastel decor.

CARLTON CREST HOTEL
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4.5 star
65 Queens Road
Melbourne VIC 3004

Standard Room $123.00
Corporate Room $160.00

Carlton Crest Hotel Melbourne is a superb hotel, centrally located on Queens Road overlooking beautiful Albert Park Lake. The hotel's rooms offer the same exceptional service and amenities throughout. Windows on the Park restaurant is a local favourite.