JOURNEYS Foster Youth Mentoring Program
About This Program
The information in this program outline is provided by the program representative and edited by the CEBC staff. JOURNEYS Foster Youth Mentoring Program has been reviewed by the CEBC in the area of: Mentoring Programs (Child & Adolescent), but lacks the necessary research evidence to be given a Scientific Rating.
Brief Description
JOURNEYS Foster Youth Mentoring Program is designed to provide adolescents in foster care (ages 13-21) with caring and consistent adult relationships and nurturing environments to reduce the likelihood of engaging in negative behaviors that jeopardize these youth’s future. JOURNEYS aims to positively impact the lives of foster youth by offering supportive, consistent role models and an enrichment curriculum that promotes Positive Self-Identity, Healthy Relationships, and Exposure to Community. The program was designed with the input of children in care as well as the data available on the benefits of mentoring programs in the U.S.
JOURNEYS offers:
- Extensive screening for all mentors
- 20 hours of mandatory training for mentors; 6 hours for mentees
- Structured program content that guides the match for 15 months
- Reimbursement of expenses up to $250 per year plus mileage
- Support of “coaches” (licensed therapists) for mentoring relationship and any difficulty or challenges the relationships may face
- Ongoing support and training for mentors and mentees
- Opportunities for spouses/significant others to play a supportive role
Goals of JOURNEYS Foster Youth Mentoring Program:
The JOURNEYS Foster Youth Mentoring Program focuses on these goals and objectives for the foster youth:
Positive Identity
- Recognize and develop personal assets and skills.
- Discover personal, career, and educational interests.
- Recognize and apply effective ways of communicating.
- Give back by delivering community service.
- Create a personal education plan to bolster success.
Healthy Relationships
- Understand and learn to create healthy boundaries.
- Discover the power of choice and their lasting consequences.
- Learn how to understand and interpret conflict; develop skills to help them “fight fair”; and solve problems without resorting to violence.
- Create a reliable, attractive vision of their personal future.
- Create stronger connections to the world around them through serving others and gaining an understanding of the issues facing other communities and populations.
Exposure
- Offer opportunities to experience a wide range of cultural events including: art, music, food, live theater, athletic, and recreational activities.
Target Population: Youth in foster care, ages 13-21.
For children/adolescents ages: 13 – 21
» View detailed report which includes:
Essential Components, Published Relevant Peer-Reviewed Research, Education and Training Resources, etc.
Contact Information
- Name: Melissa T. Fourrier
- Title: Executive Director & Founder, Foster Friends of NC
- Agency/Affiliation: Foster Friends of NC
- Website: www.FFNC.org
- Email: Melissa@fosterfriendsnc.org
- Phone: (336) 834-9919
- Fax: (336) 323-1366
Date Research Evidence Last Reviewed by CEBC: March 2012
Date Program Content Last Reviewed by Program Staff: March 2012