1. Partnering and Mentoring – Bringing People and Services Together Tuesday, April 8, 2008 ~ Plenary Session 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

2. Session Objectives  Define the benefits of creating ongoing partnerships between and among states to improve the planning, implementation and evaluation of SAVIN programs.  Describe another national partnership/ mentoring model.  Identify the most important needs of states that have recently begun implementing SAVIN programs.

3. Session Objectives (cont.)  Describe the promising practices and challenges that “seasoned SAVIN states” have identified through their experiences.  Determine the viability of creating a National SAVIN Partnership/Mentoring program to facilitate the ongoing exchange of information, advice and technical assistance among all states that sponsor SAVIN programs.

4. TO MENTOR What Does It Mean?  Motivate others by example by teaching leadership, professionalism, collaboration and management skills.  Expect great things from themselves and those they mentor, and are willing to provide support, encouragement, and nurturing to help them establish and reach their goals.  Never give up! A strong mentor will do everything possible to support the protégée. Milestones on the road to success will be celebrated, and setbacks will be addressed in a positive and constructive way.  Two-way communications are essential and continual. The mentor must be open, honest, and forthcoming with the protégée. Opportunities for new ideas and input from protégées are encouraged and welcome.  Organize mentoring efforts to provide the most essential guidance in the most succinct manner possible.  Respect individuals and individual differences, and “model” this attribute by having self-respect and not being afraid to show it.

5. A Model for Partnerships and Mentoring Corrections-based Victim Services

6. Goals of Partnerships/Mentoring  Initiate and enhance victim service programs in corrections.  Share “promising practices.”  Develop and provide training and technical assistance.  Create standards and policies for corrections-based victim services, and promote consistency in programs and services.

7. Success of Goals  Today, all 50 states have victim service programs in corrections (HURRAH, Hawaii!)  National Association of Victim Service Professionals in Corrections formed.  20+ years of quality training programs supported by OVC, NIC and others.  Opportunities for program development and funding have been enhanced.

8. Success of NAVSPIC Mentoring Partnerships  Helped to avoid “reinventing the wheel.”  New programs were linked with more experienced ones:  Site visits.  Personalized technical assistance.  Cross-referrals on key issues.  Created a “national network of experts.”  Older programs are re-energized by the newer programs’ enthusiasm.

9. Approaches to Partnerships and Mentoring  May be formal or informal.  Leadership is essential:  “Apex” for information sharing is critical.  Funding helps, but not essential.  Requires volunteer commitment.  Links to sustaining the field and succession planning.

10. GROUP ACTIVITY Icebreaker (5 minutes)  DIVIDE INTO TWO GROUPS  Group One: Those who would like to “be a mentor” in SAVIN partnerships.  When we began our state SAVIN program, “What do I wish I had known, that could have helped me?”  Group Two: Those who would like to “receive a mentor” in SAVIN partnerships.  “What do I think I need to know from my more experienced peers?”

11. GROUP ACTIVITY Facilitated Group Discussions  Groups One and Two:  Group discussion and complete Group Activity Work Sheet and summarize findings (20 minutes)  Complete survey (5 minutes).  Full group (plenary) reports-out on Work Sheet findings (30 minutes)  Findings documented, and all Work Sheets and individual surveys collected.

12. SESSION SUMMARY  Findings from this Session’s discussions will be summarized in the Conference Summary Report.  If conferees are indeed interested in creating an ongoing partnership/mentoring program:  A program format will be developed.  Partnerships will be created.  Ongoing input will be sought from each of you.