This demonstration program will support collaborations of qualified, established mentoring program sites to incorporate advocacy or teaching functions into mentors' roles through (1) matching youth and mentors based on needs, skills, experiences, and interests; (2) initial and ongoing training for mentors; and (3) ongoing mentor support.
Based on Risk and Protective Factors research, the Mentoring Enhancement Demonstration Program will systematically incorporate mentor advocacy into the New Beginnings Mentoring Initiative's design; in order to reduce risk factors for juvenile delinquency. The program utilizes a one-on-one mentoring approach and will operate programmatically to provide services required by OJJDP. The collaborative is a partnership between Baton Rouge AIDS Society, New Life Community Center, and Face to Face Enrichment Center (lead agency). The lead applicant's mentoring program has been operational for 6 years. Both co-applicants have provided mentoring services for 3 years. The target age group for this project is 12-14. However, this project will serve at-risk 11-15 year old primarily African American (75%) youth who reside in the Greater Baton Rouge area. Matched youth may continue until the youth's 18th birthday. Progress towards Goals and Objectives will be tracked and monitored monthly, quarterly, bi-annually, and annually for continuous monitoring and project improvement. The collaborative will also participate in OJJDP funded evaluations. The enhancement strategies will result in strengthening mentor advocacy efforts, the building of youth protective factors, preventing juvenile delinquency, improving pro-social community views, improving school performance, and improving peer relationships and all proven protective factors.
CA/NCF
