The Mazda Foundation has supported the work of The School Volunteer Program with a generous grant for the 2010 calendar year.
The Foundation is dedicated to building a better tomorrow through support of meaningful programs that make a difference - a compatible fit with SVP's 'mentors making a difference'.
We welcome and acknowledge the valued support of the Foundation and all contributors to our work and we are grateful for the shared vision thats brings about such partnerships to deliver mentoring in schools across WA.
Screening Requirements
SVP Volunteer Mentors work within the guidelines and boundaries of schools. Mentors are required to abide by the policies and procedures mandated by the Department of Education and Training.
SVP’s key function is to ensure that each Volunteer Mentor is screened, reference checked and provided with the opportunity to access adequate training before establishing a mentoring relationship with a student.
All Volunteer Mentors are required to attend an Orientation Training Workshop (3 hours) which addresses issues such as Confidentiality, Duty of Care, Commitment, Self Care and Boundaries. The workshop also details how the program operates and the mentors role within the school system. All Volunteer Mentors are required to sign a Confidentiality Agreement and Confidential Declaration Form (Screen Form 2) issued by the Department of Education and Training (WA only) before commencing as a Mentor.
SVP ensure that mentors comply with the current Working With Children Check (WWCC) legislation. WWCC (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004 (the Act), commenced 1 January 2006. The purpose is to identify applicants with a criminal history that indicates they are not suitable to work with children. New Volunteer Mentors will be supplied with a WWCC application form at the Orientation Workshop. The Volunteer Mentor lodges the form at an Australian Post branch to successfully obtain WWCC within 5 weeks of commencing the mentoring role. The $10 application fee is refunded by government schools.
These protective measures ensure that both mentors and students can work together in a safe environment.
For more information regarding Working With Children Check please visit the Department of Child Protection’s website www.checkwwc.wa.gov.au.