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Design and Planning

Includes resources you can use to launch an effective new mentoring initiative.

Developing Mentoring Programs Resources


	Elements of Effective Practice ™ Tool Kit, How to Build a Successful Mentoring Program Comprehensive tool kit, includes 160 tools, templates and advice for implementing and adhering to the second edition of the Elements of Effective Practice--rigorous guidelines that, when followed, will help to ensure quality mentoring. Available in English and Spanish languages.
	Foundations of Successful Youth Mentoring: A Guidebook for Program Development This guidebook outlines the program components that mentoring programs of all shapes and sizes should have in place to build strong mentoring relationships and ensure program sustainability.
	Generic Mentoring Program Policy and Procedure Manual This resource makes it simple for mentoring programs to create their own customized manual to guide both policy and day-to-day services. Be sure to download the Customizable Template version in Word format as well.
	How to Develop an Operations Manual for your Mentoring Program by Jerry Sherk for EMT Primary uses of the manual are to develop strategies to be used in running a mentoring program and to chronicle the development of operational procedures so that they can passed on to program staff.
	Mentoring Program Development: a Start-up Toolkit Resource from NWREL covering the basic steps in setting up a program from scratch. An excellent starting point for those who are just thinking about building a new program or grafting mentoring services onto an existing youth development effort.
	Resources for Starting a Program This information will provide insights on how to start a youth mentoring program.
	Starting a Mentoring Program Brief paper on what is involved in developing a mentoring program and FAQs about mentoring.
	Starting an Ementoring Program, MENTOR Located in MENTOR's e-mentoring clearinghouse, this section provides an outline on how to start an e-mentoring program and what questions need to be considered during program start up. Provides information on establishing the underlying philosophy for your program; setting specific goals and objectives; targeting youth participants; determining technology options; designing e-mentoring program activities and more.
	Yes, You Can: A Guide for Establishing Mentoring Programs to Prepare Youth for College This U.S. Department of Education resource provides guidance for planning and implementing strong mentoring programs.

Youth Populations Resources

Mentoring Gang Members by the EMT Group, Inc.

Guidelines for working with gang-affiliated youth

The Pew Commission on Children in Foster Care

Provides recommendations to improve outcomes for children in the foster care system.

Children of Prisoners Resources


	Amachi in Brief, P/PV Focuses on the Amachi program, which partners faith-based organizations with public agencies and nonprofit service providers to identify the children of prisoners and match them with caring adult volunteers. Touches on the program's development and recruiting strategies, its early results and its expansion into new cities.
	Amachi: Mentoring Children of Prisoners in Philadelphia, P/PV A unique partnership of secular and faith-based institutions, Amachi recruits volunteers from congregations to mentor children of prisoners. This report explores the implications of the Amachi experience for policymakers, funders, and others interested in starting similar programs. It describes the Amachi model and traces the steps involved in moving from plan to reality, focusing on approaches for recruiting children, pastors, and volunteers.
	Building from the Ground Up: Creating Effective Programs to Mentor Children of Prisoners, P/PV Describes best practices for planning, developing and managing a mentoring-children-of-prisoners program. This guidebook is essential for learning the professional procedures, standards and administrative tools required to have an effective program.
	Mentoring Children of Incarcerated Parents, CNCS Designed to help Senior Corps project directors and staff partner with and place volunteers in high quality programs that offer mentoring to children of incarcerated parents.
	Mentoring Children of Prisoners Bibliography Bibliography of publications and media for mentoring programs and volunteers working with children of prisoners. Compiled by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families

Foster Care Youth Resources


	AFC Mentoring / Adoption and Foster Care Mentoring Provides mentoring relationships to children who are going or have gone through adoption or foster care and prepares them for successful futures by reducing feelings of isolation and increasing resiliency.
	Foster Care Alumni Studies, Casey Family Programs Information on the two studies: Improving Family Foster Care: Findings from the Northwest Foster Care Alumni Study (April 2005) and Assessing the Effects of Foster Care: Early Results from the Casey National Alumni Study (November 2003).
	Foster Youth Mentorship Training for Program Managers, EMT Designed to assist programs who serve youth in foster care in interacting with the foster care system and supporting these youth throughout their mentoring relationships.
	Mentoring Children in Foster Care: Considerations and Partnership Strategies for Senior Corps Direct Designed to help Senior Corps project directors and staff partner with and place volunteers in high quality programs that offer mentoring to foster youth.

Gay/Lesbian/Bi-sexual/Questioning Youth Resources

Mentoring Sexual Minority Youth, P/PV

This technical assistance packet, describes the obstacles confronting lesbian and gay youth. It also suggests initial steps and mentor training that programs can implement to make gay and lesbian youth feel safe and welcome.

Immigrant and Refugee Youth Resources

Mentoring Immigrant and Refugee Youth Resources Using the Elements of Effective Practice ™ Tool Kit

Provides essential resources to better understand and serve the unique needs, challenges, and assets of the quickly growing immigrant and refugee youth population in the United States. Includes 10 resources on topics such as immigrant youth statistics, characteristics of immigrant and refugee youth, needs assessment and additional resources to assist mentors in working with this youth population.

Pregnant and Parenting Teens Resources

Mentoring Resources for Pregnant & Parenting Teens

Case Studies on mentoring programs that work with pregnant and parenting teens from ReCAPP.

Youth Development and Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention

ReCAPP Resource Center: Provides practical tools and information to effectively reduce sexual risk-taking behaviors.

Youth with Disabilities Resources

Best Practice Guide, Partners for Youth with Disabilities

Describes best practices and strategies for mentoring youth with disabilities. The guide includes suggestions for starting a program, development, evaluation, and much more.

Paving the Way to Work: A Guide to Career-Focused Mentoring

This Guide is intended for individuals designing mentoring programs for youth, including youth with disabilities, in the transition phase to adulthood.