Improving Relationship Outcomes Using Additional Training and Enhanced Match Support for Mentors, Executive Summary

• NCJ Number: 247313
• Author(s): Matthew Courser, Ph.D.; Stephen Shamblen, Ph.D.; Kirsten T. Thompson, M.A.; Linda Young, M.A.; Stacey Hamilton-Nance, M.A.; Melissa Hutchins, B.A.; Matisa Wilbon, Ph.D.
• Date Published: June 2014
• Length: 15 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2011-JU-FX-0013
• Sponsoring Agency: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)
• Corporate Author: Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE); Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Report (Summary); Report (Study/Research); Report (Grant Sponsored); Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: For the Final Report see NCJ-247312

Annotation

This is the executive summary of the report of an evaluation that determined whether additional training after the establishment of an adult-youth mentoring relationship and improved support for mentors could extend the length of the mentoring relationship, increase youth and mentor ratings of the strength of the mentoring relationship, and enhance youth behavior and attitudinal outcomes.

Abstract

The assessment found that participation in post-pairing training and mentor support had a beneficial effect on the length of the mentoring relationship and reduced the likelihood of closure. On the other hand, the evaluation did not find consistent effects of the intervention on the strength of the mentor and youth ratings of the relationship or on youth behaviors and attitudes. Only 56 percent of the participants in the intervention attended at least one additional post-pairing training session. The intervention used a structured training curriculum that consisted of both pre-pairing and post-pairing training, peer networking through informal contacts and sharing sessions, a newsletter and other resources, and additional tailored one-on-one support from program staff. Participation in the enhanced training and support activities was strongly recommended by program managers but was not mandatory. Recommendations are to make at least some post-pairing training mandatory, involve both youth and mentors in the intervention, be flexible in training modes and times, and emphasize the value of the additional training. The evaluation used an experimental research design in which volunteer mentors were randomly assigned to receive standard training and support offered by the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana or receive post-pairing training and enhanced support. Evaluation data were collected from youth and mentors at the initiation of the pairing and 12 months later. Methodological recommendations and directions for future research are included. Charts and figures and evaluation instruments