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Outagamie County Mentoring Program

 

As part of the Youth & Family Services Division, the Outagamie County Mentoring Program links youth, ages 10-17, involved with the Juvenile Justice System with mature adults in their community, to help foster the youth's development of character, competence, self confidence and self esteem on a one to one basis through weekly contact.  By engaging positive role models, youth are empowered to develop his/her abilities. 

 

 

View the Entire Handbook

 

 

 

Program Purpose

The Outagamie County Mentoring Program was designed to provide one-on-one guidance to youth who are in an out-of-home placement or at risk of being placed out of the home.  The goal is to provide at-risk youth with adult mentors who will help to decrease these placements by providing a pro-social role model, exposing youth to pro-social activities and encouraging positive communication between the parent, youth and social worker.  The program focuses on empowering youth to make good choices in their life, thus leading to a more productive and healthy adulthood. 

The program will match youth involved with the Juvenile Justice System with an adult mentor.  The mentor is a volunteer who will develop a positive relationship with the youth.  The mentor will give individual attention to the youth, provide support, expose the youth to new experiences, encourage school attendance, address independent living skills and employment avenues, assist in goal setting and encourage positive problems solving skills that will help the youth develop a sense of character, competence, self confidence and self esteem.  (TOP)

 

 

Who is Eligible for the Program

 

Youth

  • Youth between the ages of 10 -17 years of age

  • Involvement with the Juvenile Justice System

  • Youth alleged delinquent under Chapter 938 Juvenile Justice Code

  • Youth adjudicated delinquent under Chapter 938 Juvenile Justice Code

  • Youth who are at risk of or already placed outside of their home

  • Youth who are willing to participate and want extra support from a caring adult mentor

 

Mentor

  • Any mature adult

  • An ability to relate and work with teenagers

  • Able to give a six-month commitment to program

  • Willing to invest at least 2 hours per week with youth

  • Must successfully complete application and screening process

  • Must complete training curriculum within first six months

(TOP)

 

Mentor Responsibilities

  • Attend 10 hours of required training

  • Address independent living skills, continuing education and employment avenues by:

  •   Showing them how to fill out an application

  •   How to dress for an interview

  •   How to respond in an interview

  •   How to manage and budget money

  •   Address resources needed for independent living

  •   Provide support once they or if they become employed

  •   Offer employment ideas or education possibilities

  • Arrange time to spend with youth on a regular and consistent basis

  • Provide a safe environment for youth to be in

  • Help youth learn skills to strengthen their self-esteem and self-confidence

  • Help youth learn positive techniques to cope with stress and develop and/or strengthen problem solving skills

  • Keep record of contacts and forward to the program coordinator as stipulated in the handbook

  • Submit to a records check every two years as outlined in the handbook

  • Follow through with six-month commitment to the program

  • Keep coordinator informed of problems and/or progress in the mentorship

  • Work toward treatment plan goals with the youth and encourage positive goal setting

  • Respect confidentiality of youth and family

(TOP)

Volunteer Picture