We’re stronger together: How to nurture youth-whānau-mentor partnerships in youth mentoring relationships

Abstract

Research highlights the important and positive role whānau/caregivers play in youth mentoring relationships. In addition, positioning parents as assets creates opportunities to draw on their knowledge and skills to help inform and improve critical mentoring processes. In the first part of this workshop we will present results from in-depth qualitative interviews with whānau/caregivers exploring their perceptions of the approaches and experiences of highly effective mentors. In the second part of the workshop we will share our experiences on how we have supported the development of youth-mentor-whānau partnerships; and as a group we will collaboratively develop strategies on how to create more inclusive strengths-based practices in youth mentoring for youth and their whānau/caregivers.