'Someone in Their Corner': Understanding the Value and Impact of the RISE Program for Children with an Oncarcerated Parent

SHINE for Kids offers the RISE Mentoring Program to primary school students with a parent in prison. Students are supported by a trained mentor where once a week they receive tailored one-on-one support in the classroom for 12 months. Held during the school holidays, RISE together days provide opportunities for students to make new friends, meet other children with similar circumstances, and have fun. In 2023, SHINE for Kids renewed the RISE Mentoring Program by creating and implementing a standardised manual directing the activities completed within the one-on-one support. They partnered with Western Sydney University researchers to understand the impact and feasibility of the renewed program.