Child Trend releases new report on “What works for mentoring”

by: Elizabeth Lawner and Martha Beltz, with Kristin Moore.

Executive Summary (from report) Child Trends conducted a synthesis of experimental evaluations of 19 mentoring programs for children and youth, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, to determine how frequently these programs work to improve such outcomes as education, mental health, peer and parent relationships, and behavior problems, and what lessons can learned to improve outcomes. Mentoring “is a structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance,  support and encouragement aimed at developing the competence and character of the mentee. While parents fill this role for most children, some children find themselves without such a relationship. In fact, it is estimated that 20 percent of youth do not have caring adults in their lives—representing 8.5 million youth.  Even children who have a positive caring relationship with an adult can benefit  from additional positive relationships. As a specific approach, mentoring can be  the primary focus, such as the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, where mentoring is the sole mode of program delivery. Mentoring can also be used in combination with other approaches, where it is one piece of the approach, such as Career Beginnings or the Quantum Opportunities Program.

Child Trends conducted a synthesis of experimental evaluations of 19 mentoring programs for children and youth, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, to determine how frequently these programs work to improve such outcomes as education, mental health, peer and parent relationships, and behavior problems, and what lessons can be learned to improve outcomes. Mentoring “is a structured and trusting relationship  that brings young people together with caring individualswho offer guidance, support and encouragement aimed at developing the competence and character of the mentee”. While parents fill this role for most children, some children find themselves without such a relationship. In fact, it is estimated that 20 percent of youth do not have caring adults in their lives—representing 8.5 million youth the mentee”. While parents fill this role for most children, some children find themselves without such a relationship. In fact, it is estimated that 20 percent of youth do not have caring adults in their lives—representing 8.5 million youth.  Even children who have a positive caring relationship with an adult can benefit from additional positive relationships. As a specific approach, mentoring can be the primary focus, such as the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, where mentoring is the sole mode of program delivery. Mentoring can also be used in combination with other approaches, where it is one piece of the approach, such as Career Beginnings or the Quantum Opportunities Program.

See full report