For Parents and/or Guardians

Q – How do I know if a mentoring program is what my child needs?

A – Lots of youth need additional caring adults in their lives to help them grow up to be
healthy, self-sufficient adults. There doesn’t have to be something “wrong” with a young
person to benefit from having a mentor.

Q – Will a mentor serve as a therapist? 

A – No. Mentors are caring adults who are screened, trained and supervised by the
programs. And – they are volunteers, not professional therapists. Young people who
need therapy should be referred to professional counselors before joining a mentoring
program.

Q – Does it cost money to be in a mentoring program?

A – Mentoring programs do not cost money for the child or the family.

Q – What if I have questions about the mentoring program or the mentor?

A – All of the mentoring programs that work with the Mentoring Partnership make a
commitment to follow best practices. That means that mentoring programs should
answer all your questions about how they recruit, screen and train mentors. They
should be able to give you as much information as you need to feel comfortable about
letting your child participate.

Q – Will you help me figure out if there is a program right for my child?

A – Yes, of course. Please call us at 212-953-0945 and we will be happy to discuss
with you.