Support & Retention

Although most mentoring pairs will derive enough pleasure from their mentoring experience to keep them going, some reach an impasse that makes them begin to doubt their willingness to continue. Ongoing support and supervision is important to keeping these relationships growing.

Operational Standards for Monitoring & Support

Standard 5. Monitoring and Support: 

Monitor mentoring relationship milestones and support mentors with ongoing advice, problem-solving support and training opportunities for the duration of the relationship.

Although most mentoring pairs will derive enough benefits from their mentoring experience to keep them going, some reach an impasse that makes them begin to doubt their willingness to continue. Ongoing support and supervision is key to keeping these relationships growing.  Successful mentoring relationships do not just happen automatically. That's why providing ongoing monitoring and support is so important. The following benchmarks from the Elements, list recommended standards for monitoring and supporting matches:

Benchmarks:  Monitoring and Support

• Program contacts the mentor and mentee at a minimum of twice per month during the first month of the match and monthly thereafter;
• Program documents information about each mentor/mentee contact, including, at minimum, date, length and nature of contact;
• Program provides mentors with access to at least two types of resources (e.g. expert advice from program staff or others; publications; Web-based resources; experienced mentors; available social service referrals) to help mentors negotiate challenges in the mentoring relationship as they arise.  (See Resources & Publications for mentors);
• Program follows evidence-based protocol to elicit more in-depth assessment from the mentor and mentee about the relationship and uses scientifically-tested relationship assessment tools; and
• Program provides one or more opportunities per year for post-match mentor training
   

Enhancements:  Monitoring and Support

• Program has quarterly contact with a key person in the mentee’s life (e.g., parent, guardian or teacher) for the duration of the match.

• Program hosts one or more group activities for mentors and their mentees, and/or offers information about activities that mentors and mentees might wish to participate in together.

• Program thanks mentors and recognizes their contributions at some point during each year of the relationship, prior to match closure.
   

Matches that are monitored and supported are more satisfying and successful, which in turn, leads to more positive youth outcomes.  Continued monitoring of relationships should focus on the development of close relationships.  Youth who perceive a more trusting, mutual and empathic relationships with their mentors experience greater improvements than youth who perceive lower levels of these qualities.
 

Ongoing Support, Supervision and Monitoring

Successful mentoring relationships do not just happen automatically. Although most mentoring pairs will derive enough benefits from their mentoring experience to keep them going, some reach an impasse that makes them begin to doubt their willingness to continue. That's why providing ongoing support and supervision is so important.

Matches that are monitored and supported are more satisfying and successful, which, in turn, leads to more positive youth outcomes. Continued monitoring of the relationship should especially focus on the development of close relationships, as youth who perceive more trusting, mutual and empathic relations with their mentors experience greater improvements than youth who perceive lower levels of these relationship qualities. Mentoring programs that provide monthly calendars of low-cost events, offer tickets to events or provide opportunities to participate in structured activities are associated with positive outcomes.
 

Recognition and Retention

Providing recognition for significant contributions and accomplishments is an important component of a healthy, safe and rewarding mentoring environment. This section includes ideas for recognition events and sample tools to assist you.

This is especially important for mentees who may not have such experiences often. Your mentoring program can do wonders for a child's self-esteem and level of hope by making recognition of their accomplishments-both great and small-an integral part of your operations.

Providing recognition for significant contributions and accomplishments is an important component of a healthy, safe and rewarding mentoring environment. It is true, after all, those little things-the pat on the back, the positive mention of one's name-do matter. Both public recognition and private kudos for a job well done boost morale, foster team spirit and raise retention rates across the board: mentees, mentors, volunteers and staff alike.