Designing a Mentoring Program for Neglected Youth

1. Designing a Mentoring Program for Neglected Youth Laura Schleede, Journey 4-H Youth Mentoring Molly Frendo, Michigan 4-H Youth Development Jamie, Journey 4-H Mentee

2. Jamie�s Story

3. Journey 4-H Youth Mentoring Partnership with Ottawa County Family Court, Juvenile Services Matches court involved youth with screened volunteers Volunteers complete 12 hours of pre-match training Matches commit to meet for at least two hours a week for a minimum of eighteen months Mission is to reduce frequency and severity of delinquent behavior by matching court involved youth with a caring adult friend and role model

4. Changing Lives Mentors provide support to youth and families Mentors teach skills Mentors and program staff provide: Youth with supervision during critical after-school hours Referrals for needed services A respite for parents Mentors help youth learn how to communicate better within the family, at school and socially Exposure to community service

5. Mentor Recruitment Targeted recruitment of stable adults Emphasis on long term commitment Consider people with history in helping professions Communicate need for flexibility

6. Mentor Screening Be selective Mentors need to be flexible and able to adapt to circumstances Patience- not pushy Complete background check Interview and references are crucial

7. Possible Interview and Reference Questions Ask references to comment on the candidate�s ability to commit to a long term match Ask the reference how the candidate handles unexpected events and changes Ask candidate to respond to various role play scenarios Ask the volunteer how they role model good behavior (patience, communication, etc.)

8. Mentor Training Mentors with less than two hours of pre-match training report the lowest levels of closeness and supportiveness with their mentees. (Herrera, Sipe & McClanahan, 2000; Rhodes 2002) Mentors with six or more hours of pre-match training report the strongest relationships. (Herrera., Sipe & McClanahan, 2000; Rhodes 2002) Training provides mentoring staff with an opportunity to learn more about volunteers and understand areas in which the mentor may need additional support or training

9. Mentor Training Training topics Reporting abuse and neglect Boundaries and program policies Communication Youth development Building relationships Cultural sensitivity Understanding the role of a mentor

10. Matching Complete comprehensive intake with youth to get to know the youth and their needs Consider compatibility (interests, personality types, skills) Match meeting Set clear goals/ contract Provide an initial activity for the match to complete together

11. Match Support Communicate with mentor, youth and family on a regular basis Progress reports Phone Email Face to face Ensure that staff are trained and aware of resources for families Provide social recreational, educational and service activities for matches Ask for youth feedback and ideas Provide safe opportunities for youth leadership

12. Match Closure Plan ahead- this is a process, not a meeting Talk about future contact Provide an opportunity for mentors and mentees to share feedback Determine if youth or mentor want to be re-matched

13. Jamie: My Life Now Trampoline Your time and energy is worth it Thank you for doing what you do!

14. Questions? Laura Schleede Program Assistant Journey 4H Youth Mentoring Ottawa County MSU Extension 333 Clinton Grand Haven, MI 49417 616.846.8250 nordheim@msu.edu Molly Frendo Associate Program Leader 4H Mentor Michigan Initiative MSU Extension 160 Agriculture Hall E. Lansing, MI� 48823 517.432.7606 frendo@anr.msu.edu