What is MYND (Mentoring Youth New Direction)?

The MYND programme caters for young people aged between 14 and 17 years who have come to Police and CYFs notice through offending and anti-social behaviour. The team currently works with over 100 young offenders every year.

MYND is an ‘outreach’ service with an emphasis on community. The programme involves intensive social work interventions and professional mentoring with the young people in their community, along with mentoring camps away from home. The camps are delivered in an outdoor environment free from distractions and negative influences and include pro-social activities, teambuilding and personal development initiatives.

The aim of the programme is to reduce re-offending and anti-social behaviour by:

• Identifying contributing issues
• Providing positive options and alternatives
• Assisting participants to integrate into society in a positive way

How do young people get involved in MYND?

Only the Department of Child Youth and Family Services (CYFS) can make a referral to the programme.

The young people that take part are:

• Subject of a Supervision with Activity Order
• Subject of a Supervision Order
• Subject of a Family Group Conference Plan

When can someone start?

 CYFS are able to refer young people to the programme as they go through the Youth Justice process. The ‘revolving door’ concept allows CYFS the flexibility to access the programme as and when required.

How long is the programme?

Between 20 and 26 weeks dependent upon the type of Plan or Order the young person is on. As of 1 October 2010 the duration may extend up to 12-months due to legislative changes.