Mentorship & Role Models
Positive mentorship and strong role models are critical protective factors that help guide youth impacted by parental incarceration or other life challenges. Trusted mentors offer emotional support, encouragement, and guidance, helping juveniles develop resilience, self-esteem, and positive decision-making skills. Role models demonstrate healthy behaviors, perseverance, and life skills, providing youth with tangible examples of success and stability.
These programs can connect young people with mentors who understand their experiences and can offer meaningful, culturally competent support. These mentorship initiatives can reduce the risk of juvenile delinquency, promote emotional healing, and encourage educational and career achievement.
By building lasting relationships with caring adults, juveniles can strengthen their sense of identity, develop life goals, and gain the confidence to overcome barriers created by family instability. Mentorship is not just support—it is empowerment, helping young people realize their potential and build a positive future.
What it is: A national mentorship programs that pairs youth (ages 5-18) with caring adult mentors to provide guidance, emotional support, and positive modeling.
How it helps: Builds trust, confidence, and decision-making skills in youth.
What it is: A national organization that connects young people with quality mentoring opportunities.
How it helps: Helps children, especially those impacted by family disruption, gain academic support, leadership skills, and social-emotional development.
What is is: Programs that use formerly incarcerated adults or community leaders as mentors for justice-involved youth.
How it helps: Relatable mentors guide juveniles away from risky behavior and towards education and employment.