Partnering and Mentoring – Bringing People and Services Together

Tuesday, April 8, 2008 ~ Plenary Session

3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Session Objectives Define the benefits of creating ongoing partnerships

between and among states to improve the planning, implementation and evaluation of SAVIN programs.

Describe another national partnership/ mentoring model. Identify the most important needs of states that have

recently begun implementing SAVIN programs.

Session Objectives (cont.) Describe the promising practices and challenges that

“seasoned SAVIN states” have identified through their experiences.

Determine the viability of creating a National SAVIN Partnership/Mentoring program to facilitate the ongoing exchange of information, advice and technical assistance among all states that sponsor SAVIN programs.

TO MENTORWhat Does It Mean? Motivate others by example by teaching leadership, professionalism,

collaboration and management skills. Expect great things from themselves and those they mentor, and are

willing to provide support, encouragement, and nurturing to help them establish and reach their goals.

Never give up! A strong mentor will do everything possible to support the protégée. Milestones on the road to success will be celebrated, and setbacks will be addressed in a positive and constructive way.

Two-way communications are essential and continual. The mentor must be open, honest, and forthcoming with the protégée. Opportunities for new ideas and input from protégées are encouraged and welcome.

Organize mentoring efforts to provide the most essential guidance in the most succinct manner possible.

Respect individuals and individual differences, and “model” this attribute by having self-respect and not being afraid to show it.

A Model for Partnerships and Mentoring

Corrections-based Victim Services

Goals of Partnerships/Mentoring Initiate and enhance victim service programs in

corrections. Share “promising practices.” Develop and provide training and technical assistance. Create standards and policies for corrections-based victim

services, and promote consistency in programs and services.

Success of Goals Today, all 50 states have victim service programs in

corrections (HURRAH, Hawaii!) National Association of Victim Service Professionals in

Corrections formed. 20+ years of quality training programs supported by OVC,

NIC and others. Opportunities for program development and funding

have been enhanced.

Success of NAVSPIC Mentoring Partnerships Helped to avoid “reinventing the wheel.” New programs were linked with more experienced ones:

Site visits. Personalized technical assistance. Cross-referrals on key issues.

Created a “national network of experts.” Older programs are re-energized by the newer programs’

enthusiasm.

Approaches to Partnerships and Mentoring May be formal or informal. Leadership is essential:

“Apex” for information sharing is critical. Funding helps, but not essential. Requires volunteer commitment. Links to sustaining the field and succession planning.

GROUP ACTIVITY Icebreaker (5 minutes) DIVIDE INTO TWO GROUPS

Group One: Those who would like to “be a mentor” in SAVIN partnerships. When we began our state SAVIN program, “What do I wish I

had known, that could have helped me?” Group Two: Those who would like to “receive a mentor”

in SAVIN partnerships. “What do I think I need to know from my more experienced

peers?”

GROUP ACTIVITY Facilitated Group Discussions Groups One and Two:

Group discussion and complete Group Activity Work Sheet and summarize findings (20 minutes)

Complete survey (5 minutes). Full group (plenary) reports-out on Work Sheet findings (30

minutes) Findings documented, and all Work Sheets and individual

surveys collected.

SESSION SUMMARY Findings from this Session’s discussions will be

summarized in the Conference Summary Report. If conferees are indeed interested in creating an ongoing

partnership/mentoring program: A program format will be developed. Partnerships will be created. Ongoing input will be sought from each of you.