Implementing a Mentoring Ecosystem for Borderland Youth in the Juvenile Justice System

The Implementing a Mentoring Ecosystem for Borderland Youth in the Juvenile Justice System project aims to deliver targeted mentoring services and enhance protective factors for youth involved in the juvenile justice system in El Paso County. This three-year initiative will address these youth's unique needs through macro and micro mentoring. The macro approach involves site-based group mentoring in a detention facility. In contrast, the micro approach focuses on community-based group mentoring, pairing youth on probation with adult mentors for long-term 12-month support. The project will deploy five cohorts over the grant period, starting January 2025, and incorporate evidence-based practices such as social-emotional learning and art therapy. By fostering positive relationships and providing structured support, the project seeks to promote positive behavioral changes, facilitate community reintegration, and reduce recidivism rates among participating youth.