The implementation of Australian Youth Mentoring Programmes: An examination of strengths and limitations through stakeholder engagement

Abstract

In recent years, youth mentoring programmes (YMPs) have received significant attention as an intervention tool delivered to young people with the aim of fostering positive psychosocial development. The aim of the current study was to conduct a needs assessment that examined the current trends in YMPs across Australia to inform their implementation. Utilizing the COM-B model, a mixed-method design that consisted of an exploratory survey administered to young people and semi-structured interviews conducted with key YMP stakeholders was adopted. The findings of this study provided several compelling insights regarding the need for YMPs and the barriers and enablers to their implementation, while also highlighting several positive outcomes that are commonly experienced by young people who engage in mentoring. Based on these promising findings, several recommendations for the implementation of YMPs are provided herein in order to maximize their effectiveness in fostering positive psychological and behavioural outcomes among young people.

Keywords

• youth mentoring
• young people
• com-b model
• implementation
• needs assessment