Mentoring High Risk Juveniles: Implementation of a College-based Mentors in a Juvenile Reentry Program (Sun. Jan. 11, 2009 - 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)

In July 2006, the Arkansas Division of Youth Services implemented Going Home, a juvenile reentry program.  Focusing on successful reintegration of high risk juveniles into the community, this initiative encompasses several community based components.  The purpose of this workshop is to discuss challenges and successes associated with providing mentors for program youth.  Participants will be provided information regarding developing and implementing an effective mentoring program utilizing college students.
Coordinator: Lisa Hutchinson, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Criminal Justice, University of Arkansas, Little Rock, Arkansas
Division of Youth Services (DYS) sets the criteria for the UALR mentoring program.  Background on how the program started:
SVORI- Mentoring Program for violent and high risk offenders
Purpose- Reintegrate adjudicated juveniles who are high risk back into the community
Phases- I: Institutional Programs (2-6mos)
       II: Community Based Transition (6-12mos)

Accomplishing Reentry
System Levels- Transitions offenders into the community
Individual Level- Increase services to individuals and intense supervision on post-release

Target Population

• Male/Female
  
• Ages 14-21, committed serious or violent crimes, multiple recidivists, and/or those high risk
  
• Pre-release program at all State juvenile facilities
  
• Post-release-Faulkner, Lonoke, Puloski, Saline counties
  
• Participation is mandatory
  

Program Components
Institutional Programs
Community Based Transition (Private contractors found through DYS)
UALR Component (Class and internship in the Department of Criminal Justice which offers a real world experience and academic relation)
Through this mentor program it offers the mentor and the mentee an opportunity to learn from one another and allow for the mentor and mentee to have a one on one relationship.  There is some group interaction but mainly the mentor associates with his or her mentee only.
Mentor Qualifications

• 21 yrs. of age
  
• Variety of majors accepted (i.e. Criminal Justice, Business, Sociology)
  
• Commitment too two semesters (Fall & Spring Term)
  
• Clear State NCIC background check & Child Abuse registry
  
• Intensive screening by Project Coordinator and Project Director
  

Mentors go through a series of training including DYS, G4S/AJATC and UALR.  UALR wants the mentors to understand what their role will be and establish a relationship with the offender.   Ultimately the training is to ensure confidence for taking on a mentor role and mature as a positive role model.  The mentors are then matched with a mentee in which the DYS gives a list of potential offenders that are eligible for the program.  Throughout the mentoring process the mentors are monitored weekly from pre-release through post-release.
Dr. Hutchinson requires that the mentors maintain their academic position as well including Reflection Essays and several readings from various articles and books.  For a better understanding about our juveniles Dr. Hutchinson recommends the following books:

• “Fist Stick Knife Gun, A Personal History of Violence in America” by Geoffrey Canada
  
• “Frameworks of understanding Poverty” by Ruby K. Payne
  

Blogged by Michelle A. Hendrix, University of Central Florida - Student, Criminal Justice Program