Mentoring Program Practices as Predictors of Match Longevity

• NCJ Number: 251871
• Journal: Journal of Community Psychology Volume: 45 Issue: 5 Dated: July 2017 Pages: 630-645
• Author(s): Janis B. Kupersmidt; Kathryn N. Stump; Rebecca L. Stelter; Jean E. Rhodes
• Date Published: July 2017
• Length: 16 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2012-JU-FX-0009
• Sponsoring Agency: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical); Report (Study/Research); Report (Grant Sponsored); Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study assessed "Benchmark Program Practices and Standards in the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring" (MENTOR, 2009) as predictors of match longevity.

Abstract

Mentoring has been shown to have a small to moderate effect on youth outcomes; however, implementation of research‐ based practices improves program efficacy. The current study conducted secondary data analyses on a national agency information management database from 45 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies and 29,708 matches from across the United States. Agency leaders completed a web‐ based survey that solicited information on their policies, procedures, and practices. Results indicate that the only individual Standard that was predictive of match length was the Training Standard. In addition, the sum total of both Benchmark program practices and Standards were associated with match length and long‐ term relationships; however, neither predicted premature match closure. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of implementation of evidence‐ based practices, particularly mentor training, for achieving effective mentoring outcomes. (Publisher abstract modified)