WHAT DOES A MENTOR DO?

Overall, Mentors help kids learn to understand and communicate their feelings, to relate to their peers, and to develop relationships with other adults.

EXPECTATIONS OF MENTORS

• Frequent contacts between mentors and mentees are important.The strongest effects for mentoring are found for those who meet at least an hour or more per week.Mentors should always assume they will initiate contact.

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  Mentors need to make a long-term commitment to mentoring. Relationships 1 year or longer are most likely to lead to positive outcomes in youth; progressively fewer positive effects are found in mentoring relationships that last between 6 and 12 months; negative effects in youth (e.g. drops in self esteem and perceived school competence) have been found in relationships that ended within 6 months.

• Regular participation in structured activities can lead to stronger mentoring relationships.Mentoring relationships characterized by moderate to high levels of structured activities have been found to be most successful.Social and academic activities, such as going to lunch, attending sporting events, or visiting museums, are best.

• Discussion of personal relationships and social issues can lead to closer mentor-youth relationships and more positive outcomes for youth.

• Mentors who develop relationships with key persons in the youth’s life, especially parents, can increase the likelihood of the mentoring relationship having a positive impact.

• Youth mentoring works best when goals focus on developing trusting relationships with peers and adults.

• Overall, mentors should see their role as a trusted friend rather than as a teacher or preacher.

WHAT CAN FAMILY & CHILDREN FIRST OFFER FOR MENTORS?

·Trainings

·Background Checks and Drug Screen funding support

·Linkage/match with a youth in need and background information

·Stipends for mentor’s time if needed

·Funding to support activities with the youth (i.e. entrance fee to amusement park)

·Transportation stipend if needed

·Liability and Confidentiality

· Statements

·Support and Oversight

MORE INFORMATION