Mentee Risk Status and Mentor Training as Predictors of Youth Outcomes

• NCJ Number: 251380
• Author(s): Janis B. Kupersmidt; Kathryn N. Stump; Rebecca L. Stelter; Jean E. Rhodes
• Date Published: September 2017
• Length: 41 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2012-JU-FX-0009
• Agencies: OJJDP-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical); Report (Study/Research); Report (Grant Sponsored); Program/Project Evaluation; Program/Project Description

Annotation

This study used archival data from a wide range of mentoring programs to examine whether mentee risk status predicted mentoring outcomes; and archival national data from Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies, coupled with program practice self-assessments from a subset of agencies, were examined to determine the link between program practices and outcomes for mentoring relationships generally, as well as for mentoring relationships involving special youth populations (children with an incarcerated parent and youth in foster care).

Abstract

The outcome focus for this study was premature closure of the mentoring relationship. Preliminary multilevel logistic regressions were estimated in determining the relationship between program-level, mentor-level, and mentee-level factors and premature closure of a mentoring relationship. Female and younger mentors (18-24 years old) were more likely to be involved in premature closures of mentoring relationships. Mentees who were older (over 11 years old) were more likely to be part of a match that ended prematurely. A mentee's cumulative risk index was a significant predictor of premature closure. Regarding program practices and premature closure of a mentoring relationship, multilevel linear regressions were estimated in determining the links between individual Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring (EEPM), Third Edition and the Fourth Edition and mentoring match length. The EEPM training standard was the only standard that independently predicted match length. Findings suggests that program which implemented 19 or more benchmarks and program that implemented four or more standard had match survival probabilities that were significantly higher than programs that implemented fewer standards or benchmarks. Regarding mentees with an incarcerated parent, having specialized mentor training and additional funding affected some outcomes for match longevity. Regarding foster care mentees, program with more EEPM benchmarks (18 or more) and more standards (3 or more) had significantly higher longevity of mentoring relationships. 43 references and appended award publications list and research instruments,