What are the practices of an effective mentoring program?

A successful mentoring program incorpates certain checks and balances that both protect children and provide youngsters with a suitable role model.

Background checks

-- Comprehensive background check for mentors that includes Colorado Bureau of Investigation, personal interview, motor vehicle check, Central Registry, home visit and reference checks are completed before student and mentor ever meet.

Orientation or training for mentors

--A 2-hour orientation or training provides mentors with skills and a "how-to" navigate mentor challenges. The training includes discussion of different scenarios, developmental issues around children and youth and contact information for the prevention specialist assigned to the match and the prevention team members.

Policies and procedures

--Clearly communicated policies and procedures helps a program to run smoothly. These policies at the San Luis Valley Mental Health Center include such processes as the nomination of students to the mentoring program and purchase order procedures to follow in getting supplies, services or training.

Matched interests

A successful match component is the consideration of both mentor and mentee's hobbies and interests.

Close supervision

Finally, close contact including weekly supervision for the first month is important to achieving positive outcomes for a new match. If the match is working, monthly contact may suffice thereafter. Besides updates of the activities, the mentor is encouraged to talk to the case manager or prevention specialist assigned. Feedback from mentors and students is encouraged.