REFERRALS
As a program, our mentors are specifically commissioned to work with mentees who have a history of violent offences, and or a recent escalation in aggression or threatening behaviours. These referrals are accepted based on evidence provided by the referrer alongside intelligence supplied by the Police.
If a mentee shows a demonstrable high risk of violent escalating behaviours, linked to either lived experiences, ACE’s, or through known associations we consider accepting a referral, with enough evidence and background information. These referrals are accepted based on known ACE’s, identified vulnerabilities which have led the potential mentee to have evidenced high risk violence indicators.
As a program we fully recognise that an individual experiencing four or more ACEs increases the likelihood of becoming a serious violence offender by 140% , and that specific ACEs like physical neglect, emotional abuse, household violence, and substance use each raise the risk by 20–26%, and with potential mentees not actively attending school, we will want to work closely with education to ensure that everything is done to encourage them to access learning, as research tells us that a child who is not attending school is twice as likely to perpetrate violence within 12 months compared to match peers who are in attendance.
Once a referral has been received through the program ‘front door’, the Community Trusts will liaise directly with referrers going forward regarding suitability for the program, to discuss any known risks, and to ensure that the mentee is motivated and engaged with the mentoring offer, and to arrange a joint initial visit. As a program we are keen to work with those individuals who are ready for change and are fully committed and aware that our mentees often require more effort, and for services to go that extra mile to promote successful engagement. We endeavour to model this service behaviour as a program but as individual trusts, some do follow a policy that only allows three attempts to engage with the potential mentees, so any support and initial collaboration of this initial engagement process might be beneficial.
We ask that all referrers share with the trust, any other documentation / risk assessments already in place for the potential mentee to enable a collaborative start to the process.
Referrals to the programme can be made via the below links:
Youth Referral Form (age 10-17)
Young Adult Referral Form (18-25)
Engagement & Assessment
Every young person’s journey with Champions begins with connection. Our mentors take time to build trust and understand the young person’s background, circumstances, and goals.
Through structured, trauma-informed conversations, mentors identify strengths, risk factors, and immediate needs, creating a foundation for a personalised plan of support.
This stage focuses on:
- Building rapport and establishing trust
- Understanding the young person’s lived experiences and aspirations
- Co-creating an achievable plan for positive change
It’s your choice to join the Champions programme, your choice to stay on and you’re in control.
Intervention & Support
Once a plan is in place, the mentor works with the young person to put it into action. Sessions focus on reducing risks, developing positive routines, and increasing engagement in education, employment or training.
Mentors also coordinate with key agencies such as youth justice, police, education, and social care to ensure joined-up support.
- Structured mentoring
- Supporting engagement with education, training or work
- Decision-making skills
- Strengthening family and community connections
Independence & Empowerment
As the young person moves forward, the focus shifts to consolidating progress and planning sustainable next steps.
Mentors celebrate achievements, review goals, and ensure that each participant is linked into continued support – whether through education, employment, or local services,
This stage focuses on:
- Recognising personal growth and milestones
- Reviewing achievements and updating goals
- Supporting a safe and positive transition to independence
- Sustaining long-term engagement in positive pathways.