Our Program

Our program delivers group sessions and mentoring support to children aged 7-16 years old who have been impacted by cultural dispossession, systematic disadvantage, and complex trauma. The program centres around 2 x weekly group sessions run by Aboriginal Youth Mentors and is built around 5 key outcome areas.

  • This outcome focuses on holistic development for children and young people, encompassing mental, physical, and spiritual growth, alongside practical life skills, to enable them to transition confidently from out-of-home care into independent, community-engaged adulthood.

  • Our Culture outcome focuses on fostering cultural knowledge and pride among our children and young people, aiming to promote intergenerational cultural traditions and establish a strong cultural identity, enabling them to confidently advocate for their communities within a broader cultural context.

  • Through this outcome, we aim to nurture curious, lifelong learners who value education, explore diverse educational paths, build strong school relationships, and acquire skills for career success through exposure to various employment and professional opportunities.

  • Advocacy within our program aims to empower children and young people through self-advocacy, individual advocacy, and systems advocacy, fostering their ability to articulate needs, represent interests, and effect systemic change for positive outcomes in their lives and communities.

  • IDKY is dedicated to delivering high-quality mentoring programs to Aboriginal children in out-of-home care and within the child protection system, emphasising good governance and responsible leadership to ensure ethical operation, accountability, and strategic use of data for effective performance and community value.

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  • "When I first did traditional dance I was nervous as hell, but then after doing it I felt really good and I felt proud."

    IDKY Mentee, 15 yrs old

  • "You get to meet new people and talk and make new friends and learn about culture."

    - Kuku Yalanji Mentee, 13

  • "Being proud of your culture is important because it helps you be a better version of yourself."

    - Wiradjuri Mentee, 16 yrs old