1:1 Mentoring of Adolescents With Mental Health Needs

• NCJ Number: 254697
• Date Published: April 2020
• Length: 4 pages
• Agencies: OJJDP-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance); Report (Grant Sponsored); Program/Project Description; Instructional Material

Annotation

The proposed logic model and theory of change focuses on mentoring as an intervention strategy with youth already identified as having mental health challenges.

Abstract

A recent review published on the National Mentoring Resource Center site concludes that mentoring shows promise as an effective intervention for adolescents with mental health needs when implemented in partnership with traditional mental health services; however, it recommends additional research on this issue. The focus of the model examined in the current project is on programs that are designed to serve youth with identified mental health needs and are in partnership/collaboration with agencies/programs that provide either inpatient or outpatient mental health services. Thus, this model is distinguished from one-to-one mentoring programs in which mentors may receive some training in recognizing and being sensitive to mental health concerns of their mentees. A feature specific to the reviewed model is that part of the mentor's role is to promote the youth mentee's continued engagement with mental health services. This could include activities such as instrumental support through referrals to services and support with treatment/medication adherence, as well as encouragement for mentees to continue with treatment or assist them in decisions about any changes or additions in their mental health services. The feature specific to this model is the coordination required between the mentor and the mentoring program administrative staff with clinicians and other systems that may be providing mental health oversight or services. Mentors may also have a crisis management role that requires a greater degree of interaction among the mentor, the case manager, and the mentee's clinician or clinical team. Successful implementation of the model at the organizational level depends on a clearly defined, ongoing partnership between the mentoring organization and one or more providers of mental health services. 3 references