Family Court of St. Louis County
Mentor Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Family Court of St. Louis County Mentor Program ?
What type of youth participates in the Mentor Program?
What is a mentor?
Why should I become a Mentor with the Family Court of St. Louis County?
What do I have to do to become a Mentor with the Family Court of St. Louis County?
Once I become a Mentor, what is expected of me?
Is there a Mentor Program Waiting List?
What is the Family Court of St. Louis County Mentor Program ?
In addition to conducting court hearings, the Family Court provides a variety of support services for children and families through collaborative partnerships with community-based resources. The Family Court Mentor Program is a community-based effort that was orginally created in January 1993 with a grant from the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. Initially, the Program focused on African-American, male youth in need of mentors. In July of 1994, the Program was placed under the auspices of the Human Resources Department and evolved to include all appropriate youth (ages 12-16 years) referred to the Court. There are two different mentor opportunities for youth: one-on-one mentoring and site mentoring.
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What type of youth participates in the Mentor Program?
A typical juvenile referred to the Mentor Program is not a serious offender. But he or she is in need of support and guidance. Some are at-risk of being removed from their homes.
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What is a mentor?
A mentor is an adult (21 years of age or older) who is willing to listen, give support and spend quality time with a youth age 12-16 on a regular basis. Through demonstration, instruction and encouragement, a Mentor works with the youth to develop self-esteem, positive attitudes and socially appropriate behaviors.
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Why should I become a Mentor with the Family Court of St. Louis County?
This Mentor Program gives you, the community volunteer, the opportunity to positively impact juveniles within the Juvenile Justice System. Today's youth are in desperate need of positive role models. By becoming a Mentor, you can help a young person make a successful transition into adulthood and become a productive member of society.
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What do I have to do to become a Mentor with the Family Court of St. Louis County?
The application process includes:
* Applicant must be at least 21 years of age.
* Interview with Mentor Program Staff.
* Six (6) character references, personal and professional.
* County, State, and Federal record checks.
* Child Abuse / Neglect screening.
* Personality inventory.
* Required to attend orientation training, be sworn-in by the Court's Administrative Judge and receive a picture I.D.
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Once I become a Mentor, what is expected of me?
* 1 year commitment to work with youth.
* Minimum of 8 hours per month.
* Assist youth in successful completion of their treatment plan goals.
* Attend monthly mandatory mentor meetings.
* Participate in activities organized by program staff such as sporting events, museums, homework, etc.
* Complete required paperwork.
* Maintain close contact with the court's Mentor Specialist.
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Is there a Mentor Program Waiting List?
The Mentor Program does not maintain an official waiting list. Youth who are able to be matched one-on-one are matched immediately. If there is no one-on-one match available, the youth will be served by one of the court's mentoring sites. For the youth who are not appropriate for a mentoring site and no one-on-one mentors are available, their case will remain open and continually reviewed for a one-on-one match.
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