What Is Mentoring
Mentoring is a one-on-one relationship between a youth and an adult who provides consistent support, guidance and concrete help as the younger person may go through a difficult, challenging situation or period in life. The goal of mentoring is to help youth gain the skills and confidence to be responsible for their own future. This includes an increasing emphasis on academic and occupational skills.
OYCP Mentor Eligibility Requirements
- Be 21 years of age by the start date of the program.
- Be of the same gender as the applicant
- Be able to communicate in English
- Be willing to make a 17-month commitment ( 5 months Residential writing/ 12 months Post Residential contacts)
- Be within a reasonable distance to the applicant to facilitate contact in their home town after OYCP graduation.
- Not be a person living in the applicant’s household
- Not be an immediate family member (mother, father, step parent, legal guardian, or sibling to include step, half, full, or adopted)
- Be willing to submit and pass a background check and interview
- Be willing to travel to the OYCP campus in Bend for a one-time, half day training and lunch with the mentee.
- Be willing to have (in your hometown after OYCP graduation) 4 contacts, 4 hours of contact or a combination of both every month with the applicant for 12 months
- Be willing to submit an electronic or telephonic contact report by the 20th of each month to the case manager for the 12 month post residency phase.
OYCP Mentor Disqualifications
- Any history of reports, charges, arrest, or conviction for any form of domestic violence
- Any history of arrest or conviction for a sex offense
- Any felony conviction within the last five years
- Any history of DUI/DUII within the last five years
- Any alcohol, drug, or substance abuse within the last five years
- Any discovery of falsely provided information
OYCP Mentoring Process
Applicants must have one mentor in order to apply for the program. The applicant self-selects his/her mentor during the application process and provides the respective application to the mentor.
While the applicant is applying to the program, the mentor is screened to ensure they meet the basic eligibility requirements. The screening process consists of two steps; A background check completed during the applicants file review stage and an interview after the applicant is accepted into the program. Accepted mentors are given further instructions about the required on-site training in Bend, Oregon.
This is a 17-month commitment and should not be taken lightly. The cadet must have a qualified mentor to stay in the program.
OYCP Mentoring Questions
If you or someone you know would like to become an OYCP Mentor or have program questions, please call or email David Sutterfield at 541-317-9623 ext. 225 David.R.SUTTERFIELD@omd.oregon.gov