The goal of mentoring programs is to provide youth with positive adult contact and reduce risk factors (e.g., early antisocial behavior, alienation, family management problems, lack of commitment to school) by enhancing protective factors (e.g., healthy beliefs, opportunities for involvement, and social and material reinforcement for appropriate behavior).
Mentoring relationships have been shown to improve youth's self-esteem, behavior, and academic performance.
The CrimeSolutions.gov review of mentoring has resulted in an effective rating in reducing delinquency outcomes and a promising rating in reducing the use of alcohol and drugs and improving school attendance, grades, academic achievement test scores, social skills, and peer relationships.
During National Mentoring Month (January), access the Mentoring Special Feature for information and resources about mentoring relationships and the positive impact they can have on a child.
Access the Mentoring Special Feature
Funding
Mentoring Research Partners Program | OJJDP
Applications due: 2/22/2017
Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative | OJJDP
Applications due: 3/13/2017
Publications
An Evaluation of Advocacy-based Mentoring as a Treatment Intervention for Chronic Delinquency
Mentoring in Juvenile Treatment Drug Courts: Strategies and Tips
Model Programs Guide Literature Review: Mentoring
Related Resources
Did You Know?
Where can I find information on juvenile mentoring programs?
Information about juvenile mentoring programs can be located on the Mentoring section of the ... Read More
Are funds available to support juvenile mentoring programs?
Current funding opportunities from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention ... Read More
Events
Nurturing Social-Emotional Growth in Young People
January 19, 2017 | 1 p.m. ET | Webinar
National Mentoring Summit
February 1-3, 2017 | Washington, DC