Referrals to KidStart for Young People in Greater Victoria.
Mentoring services for children and youth ages 6–18.
KidStart connects young people with adult volunteer mentors who spend two to three hours a week with them doing recreational activities. The program is for children and youth ages 6–18 who are facing challenges at school, at home, or in the community. Referrals come from school counsellors, social workers, police, and other professionals.
What a mentor provides.
The John Howard Society of Victoria coordinates the KidStart mentoring program in Greater Victoria. All mentors receive training in First Aid, reflective listening, and strength-based practice, with ongoing supervision and support from The John Howard Society of Victoria staff. Mentors and mentees are matched based on shared interests and compatibility. The weekly outings give young people undivided attention and the chance to try things they might not otherwise experience. The relationship is shaped by what works for the young person.
The Program
Mentoring for children and youth ages 6–18 who are facing challenges at school, at home, or in the community.
KidStart Mentoring
One-to-one mentoring: A dedicated adult volunteer matched with the young person.
Weekly outings: 2–3 hours per week of recreational activities.
Screened volunteers: Criminal record checks, reference checks, and interviews.
Trained mentors: First Aid, reflective listening, and strength-based practice.
Long-term relationships: Mentors commit to one year, and many matches continue longer.
Coordinator support: Ongoing training and supervision for mentors, regular communication with families.
No cost: The program is free for families.
Location: Greater Victoria.
Eligibility
KidStart mentoring is open to:
Children and youth ages 6–18 facing challenges at school, at home, or in the community.
Young people who are referred by a school counsellor, social worker, police officer, or other professional.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About KidStart Mentoring in Victoria.
KidStart accepts referrals from school counsellors, social workers, police, and other professionals working with young people.
Young people aged 6–18 are paired with an adult volunteer mentor who they see for 2–3 hours per week. The mentor’s role is to develop a supportive relationship, be a consistent positive role model, and encourage participation in recreational activities that help young people build confidence.
KidStart is designed for young people aged 6–18 who are facing challenges at school, at home, or in the community. If your client could benefit from a consistent, positive adult relationship, please contact us about a referral.
Contact the KidStart Coordinator, Samantha, at 778-678-1184 or kidstartvictoria@jhsvic.ca.
Screening of new KidStart volunteers includes criminal record checks, reference checks, and interviews. All mentors complete training in First Aid, reflective listening, and strength-based practice.
KidStart outings are typically 2–3 hours a week and can include activities such as swimming, skating, hiking, cooking, playing board games, visiting parks, going to the beach, or any activities that the mentor and mentee are interested in.
Mentors commit to one year. Most matches last one year or longer.