Introduction

Closure, the process of transitioning or ending relationships, is a natural part of the mentoring life cycle. Unfortunately, although mentoring relationships are often initiated with care, many do not receive the support they need to endure common pitfalls and do not transition in ways that affirm participants. From an ethical standpoint, we know careful management of mentoring relationship closures is critical to ensuring positive outcomes for youth.

Curriculum

  • The Research

    The Research

    Youth mentoring research suggests that failing to provide some sort of resolution or closure process at the end of a relationship can be particularly damaging for mentees who’ve been let down by other relationships with adults. These youth are more likely to become vulnerable to negative feelings resulting from poor relationship endings. Without a supported closure process, youth may internalize negative feelings like abandonment, fear, or confusion (Spencer, 2007).

    Sadly, about a third to half of all youth mentoring relationships end prematurely. This is problematic beyond unmet expectations set for youth and families—youth involved in mentoring relationships that end early show decreases in self-worth and academic self-efficacy (Grossman & Rhodes, 2002).

  • Tips from Experts

    Tips from Experts

    An appropriately timed closure process is key for effectively closing a youth mentoring relationship. Even under non-ideal or unexpected circumstances, healthy closure provides mentees with an opportunity to reflect on their experience.

    Philosophy:

    • Be clear and honest
    • Keep it positive!
    • Develop appropriate and realistic plans for continued communication

    Management:

    • Develop a policy and process for managing both anticipated and unanticipated closures
    • Use tools to support the closure process
      • Exit interviews
      • Formal closure agreement
      • Continued contact form (when necessary)
  • More
  • Next Steps
    • Learn more by reviewing “Standard 6: Closure” in Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring (4th edition).
    • Use your note-taking guide to list topics or questions about effectively closing mentoring relationships to discuss with your technical assistance provider. Remember to save your note-taking guide changes after each chapter.

     

Relevant Documents


Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring (4th edition)

Review

Learn more by reviewing the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring (4th edition)

Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring

Continue

Continue onto the next chapter: Maintaining the Program

Maintaining the Program

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  • MENTOR National and Affiliates will use the information you provide to better inform future publications and keep you up to date with advancements in the mentoring field. For more information, check out our privacy policy.