2006 Conference

Mentoring with Higher Risk Offenders

We have organised three very successful conferences so far, and are now in the process of planning a fourth. Our aim has always been to provide a value-for-money forum for exploration and discussion of issues related to mentoring with offenders, that has real relevance to those working in, or interested in this arena. We have ensured that our events are practitioner-focused, and rely on delegate participation, and are not merely an opportunity to hear high-level speeches about mentoring. We value the active participation, and expertise, of all our conference delegates.

Mentoring 2006 Conference

Extending the boundaries of mentoring:
Mentoring Higher Risk Offenders

The 4th International Mentoring Conference
for Mentoring Scheme Organisers, Mentors, and Practitioners in Community Justice

Tuesday 4th April 2006
Conference Centre
HMYOI Thorn Cross, Appleton Thorn, Warrington, Cheshire

Responsibility for Public Protection is a key part of the work of the Probation Service, Youth Offending Teams, the Prison Service, Police Authorities and the Voluntary Sector. Other organisations, e.g. local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships and Drugs Action Teams are having to contend with issues of Risk on a daily basis, in their work with Prolific and other Priority Offenders and Drug Users. Current MAPPA arrangements have required agencies to work together in a much more effective manner in looking for ways to manage higher risk offenders safely and securely.

• What part does mentoring play in the management of risk and the protection of the public?
• In what ways can higher risk offenders be safely and effectively mentored?
• How might mentors work with persistent and prolific offenders and drug users?
• Is there a role for mentors in the management of sex offenders and dangerous violent offenders?
• What kind of role could mentors play in delivering approved and accredited programmes?
• What training and support do mentors need to carry out these roles effectively?

How can we ensure Safety, Effectiveness and Accountability in these innovative areas of mentor work?

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Conference Aims

Focussing on these newer, 'riskier' areas of mentoring with offenders, this conference aims to answer these questions. We will examine ways in which mentoring might be used as a means of engaging with higher risk and dangerous offenders. We will focus on providing a foundation for establishing mentoring schemes, and the basis for good practice.

THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE:

• Speakers with national and international experience of innovative and challenging ways of using mentors
• Seminars and workshops offering imaginative approaches to mentor use with higher risk offenders
• Opportunities to network and share ideas.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

• Probation, Prison and Police staff with responsibilities for managing higher risk offenders
• Mentoring scheme co-ordinators
• YOT staff
• Voluntary, non-statutory and not-for –profit agencies in the field of mentoring
• Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership staff
• Staff working with Prolific and other Priority Offenders Schemes

Booking forms are now available. To register, please complete the form and e-mail it to:

e-mail 2006conference@offendermentoring.org.uk

or post to:

IRENE DOYLE
Conference Administrator
National Probation Service
North West Training Consortium
Sefton House
1 Molyneux Way
Old Roan
Liverpool
L10 2JA

Tel 0151 526 1346

If you have any queries about the event, please contact either

Mike Denton
Tel 07970 544438
e-mail info@offendermentoring.org.uk

or

Charlie Watson
Tel 07739 468351
e-mail info@offendermentoring.org.uk

THIS CONFERENCE IS SUPPORTED BY:

Mentoring with Offenders
SOVA
The Borough of Warrington Safer Communities Partnership and Warrington DAT
National Probation Service, Cheshire Area
HM Prison Service
Charlie Watson Staff Development and Training

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The organisers intend to offer an additional day of observational visits on 5th April, the day following the Conference. This will consist of a conducted tour of Thorn Cross YOI, a unique Young Offender facility, plus visits to other projects having mentoring involvement, subject to availability. Please indicate on the Booking Form if you are interested in this opportunity. Numbers may be limited.

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Draft Programme (subject to confirmation)

9.15 – 10.00	Arrival and registration.
10.00	Intro and welcome by the chair, Pat Roach SOVA DCEO.
10.15	Speaker 1- Prof Paul Senior, Professor of Probation Studies, Sheffield Hallam University.
10.45	Break, Networking opportunity.
11.15	Workshops, session 1. Six varied workshops, offering a range of relevant and interesting topics.
12.30	Lunch.
1.30	Speaker 2 – Graham Beech, National Director, Offending and Justice Services, Crime Concern.
2.00	Workshops, session 2. A repeat of the workshops offered in session one.
3.15	Break, Networking opportunity
3.30	Seminar – Circles of Support and Accountability, on their work with mentoring sex offenders.
4.15	Closing remarks, feedback, evaluation.

NOTES FOR DELEGATES:

Workshops: as in our previous conferences, these will be practitioner focused, with an emphasis on delegate participation.

Keynote addresses: Intended to give an overview at a more strategic level of current issues in mentoring with higher risk offenders.

Full details of seminar and workshops, and the final conference programme will be provided on registration. A full delegate pack will be provided on the day of the event.