Youth Mentoring

What is youth mentoring?

Youth mentoring is the fifth of the nine basic Youth Crime Watch components. It connects Youth Crime Watchers with youth in need of a positive friend and role model. Mentoring, properly done, is one of the most effective means of changing a young person's life. And the mentor benefits too!

Benefits

• Provides a structured, one-to-one relationship or partnership that focuses on the needs of the mentored participant.
• Fosters caring and supportive relationships.
• Encourages everyone involved to develop their fullest potential.
• Helps an individual to develop his or her own vision for the future.
• Develops active partnerships in the community.

Key steps

• Set down a statement of purpose and long-range plans.
• Devise a recruitment plan for both mentors and participants.
• Determine orientation of mentors and participants to be involved.
• Hold an intense eligibility screening for mentors and participants.
• Devise a training curriculum and train mentors and participants.
• Match mentors and participants.
• Monitor the program's progress.
• Provide on-going training, materials and general support.
• Evaluate your success.

Related materials

Youth Mentoring Manual $14.95