National Association of Police Athletic Leagues, Inc.. Youth Mentoring 2022

The National Association of Police Athletic/Activities Leagues, Inc. (NPAL) will build upon the many years of successful youth mentoring that have provided valuable support in diverse communities across the nation. NPAL's overall goal is to reduce risk factors for youth participants such as delinquency, victimization, and juvenile justice system involvement; while increasing protective factors such as improved social competencies, increased self- esteem, commitment to academic success and community, and improved relations with law enforcement. NPAL will work with community-based PAL programs to expand mentoring to at-risk youth aged 8-17 through structured small group mentoring activities that foster stronger ties with local law enforcement agencies. The NPAL Mentoring program will target youth who are at risk of delinquency, victimization, and/or involvement in the juvenile justice system. Targeted groups will include underserved youth who demonstrate a need but have not participated in mentoring services due to a; shortage of trained and screened mentors; having an incarcerated parent; residing in a detention or correctional facility; being a tribal member; being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning. Targeted populations will also include American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth; youth impacted by opioid abuse (either directly or through a family member); youth impacted by bullying or cyberbullying; and youth in rural communities. Due to the diverse locations of PAL Chapters across the country, NPAL will be able to target funding for its mentoring program to the communities that need it the most. NPAL Mentoring is an established program that has been providing tailored services to at-risk youth for many years, and past experience will be used to guide Chapters in their recruitment efforts.