Building a Successful Mentoring Program: Matching Strategy and Monitoring Matches

Building a Successful Mentoring Program Using the Mentor Michigan Quality Program Standards for Youth Mentoring Matching Strategy & Monitoring Matches

Quality Program Standards 1: Definition of Youth Mentoring 2: Recruitment Plan 3: Eligibility Screening 4: Orientation and Training 5: Matching Strategy 6: Match Monitoring Process 7: Mentor Support, Recognition, and Retention 8: Match Closure 9: Program Evaluation 10: Organizational Management 11: Governance

Mentor Michigan’s Quality Program Standards Developed by the Providers Council Not meant to certify or accredit mentoring programs Planning and assessment framework to raise the bar for mentoring programs Standards based on research, evidence-based practices, and the national Elements of Effective Practice

Self-Assessment Checklist Tool for self-assessment Benchmarks for progress Determine areas of potential improvement and strengths of the organization Quality Program Standards and Checklist are available for download on the Mentor Michigan website www.mentormichigan.org

Matching Strategy & Monitoring Matches Matching Strategy Matching Criteria and Recommendations Tips and Considerations for the matching process Monitoring Matches Ongoing support Stages of a mentoring relationship Monitoring Plan – Check-in

Standard 5: Matching Strategy The program has a well-documented matching strategy Consistent with program’s purpose Requires that mentor and mentee meet regularly Criteria for matches Signed statements regarding the conditions of the relationship Group mentoring - matches one trained mentor with no more than four youth

Possible Matching Criteria Gender Age Similar background Racial, ethnic, cultural, or language Compatibility of available meeting times Shared interests and preferences Youth needs Life experience Temperament Language requirements Disabilities

POLL Does your program have a written plan for making appropriate matches, including the criteria for making a match? Yes No Not sure

Matching Recommendations Mentor: Preferences Location Skill level Interests and hobbies Overall personality Mentee: Parent/Guardian preferences Location Needs of the mentee Interests and hobbies Overall personality

Matching Recommendations: Match Determination Similarities Compatible values and attitudes Mutual interests Geographic proximity

Making the Match Involve everyone Youth, family, mentor all involved Select volunteers with the right attitude Mentor attitude is key ingredient for success Assess personalities Will this mentor be able to connect with this youth person?

First Match Meeting Structured first meeting between the mentor and mentee Program staff facilitates meeting Reduce anxiety and help matches begin their relationship in a positive way Program staff can use this as an opportunity to review policies and address issues Clear goals and activities Next steps for the match Future meeting times Signed statements of understanding

Match Monitoring Monitoring of matches and consistent contact Ongoing training for mentors More positive youth outcomes

Standard 6: Match Monitoring Process The program maintains a process that monitors and supports mentoring matches. This process includes: Consistent communication Maintain confidential file Input from all involved Issue management Providing appropriate forms

Importance of Match Monitoring Supports relationship development Risk management Assess whether there may be serious behavioral issues Early identification and resolution of potential difficulties in the relationship Prevent premature relationship ending Youth safety

Research Programs with regular support - matches meet regularly and are more satisfied Programs that do not provide regular support have the greatest percentage of failed matches Provides the practical and moral support that mentors need to keep meeting with their mentees and to get through the rough spots

Stages of a Mentoring Relationship Stage 1: Developing Rapport and Building Trust Stage 2: The Middle – Reaching Goals Stage 3: Closure

Stages of a Mentoring Relationship Stage 1: Developing Rapport and Building Trust Predictability and consistency Testing Establish Confidentiality Goal Setting (transitions into stage 2)

Stages of a Mentoring Relationship Setting Goals: Stage 1  Stage 2 Goal setting is an important phase leading to the positive youth outcomes associated with mentoring. What does the pair want to get out of the relationship? Pair should set at least one achievable goal together Transition into step 2

Stages of a Mentoring Relationship Stage 2: The Middle – Reaching Goals Closeness Affirming the uniqueness of the relationship Relationship may be rocky or smooth Rely on staff support

Stages of a Mentoring Relationship Stage 3: Closure Identify natural emotions, such as grief, denial, and resentment Provide opportunities for saying goodbye in a healthy, respectful and affirming way Address appropriate situations for staying in contact

Closure: Staying in Contact Programs should have policies in place dealing with matches staying in contact Mentor and Mentee mutually interested in staying in contact School-based programs: Acceptable forms of communication for staying in contact over summer months?

Monitoring Plan Schedule for checking in Set of questions that provide insight into the status and progress of the relationship Opportunity for mentors and mentees to ask questions, raise concerns, and provide feedback

Match Monitoring: Checking In To make sure the mentor and mentee are meeting regularly To determine the quality of the relationship To address any problems or concerns that may arise To manage mentor and mentee expectations

POLL On average, how often are you checking in with the mentors in your program? At least every other week or several times each month Once a month Every other month A few times per year Not Sure

Frequency – How often to check-in? Contact the mentor within the first two weeks of the match Over the first few months, continue to check in every two weeks For at least a year, continue to check in monthly Increased based on needs of the match.

Match Support Outline Activities Child Safety Concerns Relationship Development Youth Outcomes/Development Other Comments Next Contact/Follow-up

Now What? Quality Program Standards and Program Self-Assessment Checklist Elements of Effective Practice Toolkit www.mentoring.org/eep Match agreements, relationship development checklists, feedback forms, etc Bring this information back to YOUR mentoring program What does your matching strategy, matching criteria, match monitoring plan consist of? Mentor Michigan Website www.mentormichigan.org Handouts, resources, related websites Webinars on a variety of topics

Building a Successful Mentoring Program: Matching Strategy and Monitoring Matches

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Building a Successful Mentoring Program: Matching Strategy and Monitoring Matches