NextStep Mentoring Program Enhancement

This solicitation invites eligible applicants to propose research and evidence-based enhancements to mentoring programs based on three strategies: (1) involving the parents and family in activities and services, (2) delivering structured activities and programs for the mentoring matches, and (3) developing training and support for mentors. Research studies and evaluations of best practices have indicated that mentoring programs that provide multiple modes of treatment addressing both individual and environmental characteristics tend to be the most effective. This initiative is authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2009, Pub. L. No. 111-8.

The Academy for Career Development Inc. will enhance their mentoring program in Focus Area 1 - involving the parents and families of mentoring participants in mentoring activities and providing or coordinating services for them. The Academy for Career Development Inc.'s proposed project is an enhancement to the applicant organization's NextStep Mentoring Program. The target population is post-incarcerated transitioning youth. Mentors work with youth and their families to develop and subsequently implement a Personal Transition Plan which encompasses 10 Life Domains. The Academy's experience with these youth during and after incarceration has provided them with a clearer picture of areas which need to be addressed. The program strategy that is their primary focus is the involvement of parents and families in the project and the provision of services for them. The Academy proposes to provide and coordinate a continuity of mental health care for these youth and their families through staff mental health professionals and specially trained mentors. To track these outputs and outcomes, the Academy has designed and developed an internal evaluation system which monitors and measures all major program components including such areas as communications, transition plan implementation, services integration, recidivism rates, education and vocational training, and employment. CA/NCF