Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration (Region 5)

Description

The JRA Mentor Program matches adult mentors to youth who are serving time in a correctional institution. The mentors meet with youth at the institutions at least once a month for four to six months and then weekly when the youth are released to parole. Potential mentors are asked to submit an application and background check to the program. Mentors are required to attend an initial eight-hour training and then monthly mentor seminars. The mentor program staff provide on-going support and guidance through these trainings as well as one-on-one phone contact. Program staff escort mentors to the correctional institution for the mentor/youth initial meeting and can provide transportation if necessary beyond the first meeting. The mentor helps the youth set goals, empowers the youth to help recognize his/her individual talents and offers guidance and support to help the youth lead a substance and crime free lifestyle.