Many juveniles who become involved in Boulder County services come from difficult family situations and/or have suffered traumas, in addition to facing the added challenge of negative peer influences. The youth mentoring program matches adults and juveniles one-on-one in order to provide the youth with enduring links to positive supports in the community. By providing healthy stable adult role models who are not involved in the justice system, juveniles gain a unique supportive relationship that can promote the development of positive assets, and reduce the likelihood that they will become involved in the justice system. Mentors also provide individual attention that separate youth from the potential influences of higher-risk peers.
Make a Difference in the Life of a Youth and Your Community
As a mentor, you will meet weekly with a teen for two hours. Mentors can set weekly meetings according the juvenile’s and your scheduling needs.
Spending time together is the most important thing. Organize your outings around the activities you enjoy, such as:
- Attend a sporting event
- Go to a community space — like a library, rec center, or park
- Take a hike
- Make crafts
- Go out for a bite to eat
As a Mentor You Will Receive:
- 3 ½ hours of orientation as well as ongoing training and support
- Mileage and activity reimbursement for mentoring-related trips
- The satisfaction of knowing you’re making a difference in the life of a youth and helping them become a successful part of the community
- A meaningful relationship with a youth who may not have enjoyed many healthy relationships
- Experience for individuals who want to pursue careers working with youth or criminal justice
Responsibilities and Requirements:
- Provide mentoring to teens, ages 11-16, who are involved in the juvenile justice system
- Complete mandatory 3 ½ hours of training
- Commit to meet with your partner an average of 2-3 hours per week for one year (days of the week and times are flexible)
Minimum Qualifications:
- An ability to interact with teens in a positive, appropriate, supportive and respectful manner
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license and have reliable transportation
- Must pass a criminal background check
- Maturity, patience and good communication skills
- Some understanding of child development and adolescent behavior preferred.
