“RETALE Melbourne” What is RETALE Melbourne? Why it exists? How it came into existence? Key ingredients of successful programs managed by a collaborative partnership? Developing local collaborative partnerships and programs

RETALE Melbourne is based on Best Practice derived from a range of successful re-engagement programs, most notable being the “Heat Hospitality” program first delivered by St Kilda Youth Services in the City of Port Phillip.

Why RETALE Melbourne Program? Provides a range of critical interventions to a minimum of 12 young people ( at risk of offending ) and provide them with pathways to sustainable employment and positive life choices. Give young people who are disengaged or at risk of disengagement alternative opportunities

What does this mean? Provides a program that Is user friendly, relevant engaging and leads to employment and or education Supports development in literacy, numeracy and general skills Focuses on improving self esteem and confidence Changes future directions for disengaged young people Integrates welfare support into program delivery Has follow up support after program completion

Young people gain Sense of purpose Experience learning program which acknowledges their learning needs An understanding of the need to adhere to strong boundaries Sense of belonging Positive future Work readiness and understanding of work culture

Police Input Pilot funding from the Victorian Police Youth Funding Ongoing input from police in the form of weekly 2 hour sessions will be incorporated into the training component of RETALE Police Officers will be trained as mentors and will work one to one with students.

What did this translate to Good relationships Sense of trust Improved understanding by police of young people Improved trust of young people towards police Ongoing support

Key factors - establishment The need – why do you want a program Collecting evidence Identify key stakeholders Identify and source funding Collaborative Approach

MOU – agreement of commitment and contribution from key stakeholders Timeline Implementation plan Management plan – Project Manager Program development Pathway planning

Program management and maintenance Program implementation and management strategy Risk management procedure On going management, sustainability and partnership input

Develop and review oCoM/PSC – meeting times, minutes, decision making oMOU’s oPosition descriptions for project team oTeam meetings oSupporting project team oCode of conduct oGuidelines and assistance oCrisis/risk management planning oStudent tracking oWork placement/experience oWelfare support

Key ingredients Applied Learning program within a relevant and engaging context Strong guidelines and boundaries Suitable staff selection Strong support for staff Clear guidelines to cover range of incidents

a strong emphasis on welfare and career guidance. Provision of pathways planning, monitoring and counselling re progress towards education, employment and independence goals.

Publicity and Promotion Launch – invite key stakeholders, include ministers, managers CEO etc. Minister for Education christine Nixon, Major from Salvation Army Patron – High profile patron – Dave Hughes Student Ambassadors – Students to present Graduation – High profile people related to stakeholders STUDENTS

Retale Includes post-program support for a minimum period of up to 5 weeks including advice, referral and advocacy in line with the pathways plan developed for that individual.

The key stakeholders and their contributions Victoria Police – significant support including funding The City of Melbourne –research and referral networks Crown Casino – employment offers! Melbourne City Mission – Frontyard – welfare and delivery support CAE – funding, program delivery and project Management The Salvation Army - welfare and delivery support as well as provision of premises City Local Learning and Employment – networking, financial and admin support ANZ funding

Key outcomes of the program Building better relationships between police and ‘at risk’ young people in the City of Melbourne. A reduction in offending rates of young people. Increased links between young people, community and youth agencies, local services, Victoria Police and local government.

Key Outcomes for the young people Positive experience of education Opportunity to lean in an environment that is supportive and addresses learning styles Opportunity to gain Certificate 11 in retail Increased sense of belonging... Work positively with other young people Work positively with Police Increased skills, self esteem and confidence in at risk young people with ongoing employment or successful transition to further education.

Pathways to further education training Linking with welfare support agencies Celebration and acknowledgement of achievements

Funding: Police funding provides initial establishment costs and additional intensive provision of support Salvation Army to provide training premises CAE will deliver training hours in 2008 & 2009,

Plan an implementation strategy for establishment and management of a Collaborative Community Education Program in your local areas

Planning - Key factors Identify The need for the program - provide supporting evidence Target cohort The framework for your program Identify key essential factors for inclusion in the program Key Stakeholders Delivery sites Possible funding sources

Develop Mission Statement for the program MOU/stakeholder contribution Implementation Plan/timeline Risk Management Publicity and Promotion strategy