• Program Description

• Peer Mentoring Program Brochure

• Recruitment Flyers

• Mentor Description

• Mentor Application

• Mentor Requirements Checklist

• Mentor Interest Survey

• Mentor Training Agenda

• Mentor Report Log

• Mentee Description

• Mentee Application

• Mentee Interest Survey

• Mentee Feedback Form

• Foster Parent Feedback Form

GOAL: The goal of a peer mentoring program is to strengthen interpersonal relationships and increase social support networks for foster youth. Assisting foster youth to develop healthy connections with their mentor and with other youth and young adults involved in the program will help stabilize and strengthen the life of a young person in foster care, as well as develop leadership skills in the young adult mentor. 

MENTORS: The mentors are young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 who have had personal experience in the foster care system as a child. These mentors live in the area, and are presently working or continuing their education after high school. Once potential mentors are identified, they are carefully screened before becoming a mentor. All mentors must submit an application and interest survey, have a BCI&I check, and be interviewed by a program staff member. Mentors must be willing to commit to the program for one year, and be highly motivated to be a positive role model for a foster youth.  

MENTEES: The mentees are youth between the ages of 10 and 13 who are currently in the foster care system and in the custody of Children Services. Mentees must be willing to commit to being mentored for one year, and the foster parents must be willing to support the youth in this endeavor.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: In late 2007, Shari Amigo, an Ohio State University MSW Student Intern with PCSAO, submitted a grant application to CWLA as part of their Peer Mentoring Program.  As part of her internship, and with the benefit of CWLA support, Ms. Amigo developed a wealth of materials to implement such a program, and we offer them to you now – feel free to use, adapt, or evolve for your own program.  The value of any mentoring program for foster youth, is undisputed.  As a statewide membership organization focused on policy, excellence in workforce, program development, etc. (vs. direct service), PCSAO discovered that our talent was not in program implementation.  Many thanks to Shari Amigo, and good luck to you in your efforts to create mentoring opportunities for our youth. 

Suggested Program Activities:

1. Initial training for peer mentors and mentees.  Mentors receive 5 hours of initial training to assist them in becoming a successful mentor. (Mentors are given a $50 stipend for attending the training) Mentees also participate in a 2 hour initial training to learn about the peer mentoring program and their responsibilities in the mentoring relationship.
2. Bi-weekly group activities.  This includes numerous fun activities and events, a group training session, and a yearly appreciation banquet. These activities allow for individual time for the mentor/mentee, as well as positive group interaction.  (Mentors receive a $25 stipend per month to assist in transportation or other costs. Caregivers are given a $20 gift card each month to assist in transportation costs for the mentees.)
3. Ongoing training for mentors.  The Mentoring Center of Ohio offers two additional training sessions each year for the mentors to assist them in developing their mentoring skills. These trainings are 2 hours in length. An additional training session includes both mentors and mentees to address goal setting.
4. Ongoing support for mentors.  Program staff support the mentors by contacting each mentor on a bi-weekly basis, and offering assistance when needed.
5. Monthly contact by staff with mentee and mentees caregiver.  Staff contact the mentee and the caregiver once a month to deal with any concerns they may have about the mentor relationship or the program.