Mentoring Vulnerable Populations

The purpose of this program is to enhance the capacity of organizations to respond to the needs of child victims of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE)/domestic sex trafficking (DST). There are two categories of funding available under this solicitation. Category 1 funding is designated for Mentoring Project Sites. Under this initiative, project sites develop or enhance mentoring service models and mentor training based on best practices to focus on the needs of youth who are at risk or are victims of CSE/DST; develop or update strategies to recruit and maintain mentors to serve under identified and underserved populations; begin or enhance efforts to identify and enroll youth who are in need of services; and provide needed services to these youth. Grantees work with OJJDP's training and technical assistance provider to develop or enhance mentoring service models and mentor training based on best practices. This program is authorized pursuant to the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2017, Pub. L. No. 115-31.

Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans, lnc. (VOAGNO) plans to provide intensive case management to 225 youth (age 17 and under) who are at risk or are victims of CSE/DST in New Orleans and its surrounding parishes. The project represents a true collaborative effort between VOAGNO and the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), along with a myriad of other providers. The comprehensive program will have a client-centered foundation and provide mentoring and intensive case management for participants. VOAGNO will conduct an internal process evaluation. This process monitoring and process evaluation will address three essential components: (1) collection of mentoring data and demographic characteristics of mentors and mentees and assess the services provided and the resources used; (2) determine fidelity to the program and assess any client/staff barriers; and, (3) determine if the program is working with the target population. The results of the evaluation and data collection are used to improve service delivery, evaluate staff, determine fidelity to the program, assess client/staff barriers and determine if the program is working as designed.

The goal of the program is to increase positive outcomes through mentoring and reduce the risk for CSE/DST among youth. The objectives are as follows: (1) recruit 225 CSE/DST youth; (2) provide intensive case management to 100% of the population recruited; (3) recruit and match 141 mentors to mentees; and 4) provide one-to-one mentoring and/or group mentoring to 225 youth. Anticipated outcomes include the following: (1) re-exploitation/trafficking will be reduced among the target population; (2) program participants will experience stable, lasting relationships with responsible adults; (3) participants will avoid risky behaviors and achieve their personal goals; (4) participants will develop self-esteem, self-efficacy, and new skills set; and (5) participants will increase the likelihood of positive outcomes.CA/NCF