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Program Information
Program Objectives
1. To recruit, train, and match adult volunteers with a youth referred to the program
2. To supervise and support new and existing matches
3. To reduce the number of juvenile complaints
4. To reduce the number of juvenile court hearings
5. To reduce the number of children referred to training schools
6. To show that youth referred to the program will have no new
involvement with the juvenile court system while participating in the
program
7. To show a reduction in school drop-out, suspension, expulsion, and truancy
8. To teach youth new life skills and help with academic achievement
9. To show improvement in self-esteem and attitude
10. To form a trusting and loving relationship between volunteer and youth
Eligibility of Children
1. Be between 6 and 19 years of age
2. Live within Pitt County
3. To have had contact with the court system at least once in the previous year
4. Lack significant support from other individuals or groups
5. Be interested in participating in the program
6. Whose family will support his or her involvement by abiding by the rules for the parents
7. Whose parents or guardian submits completed application form and release information form
8. Who will be available, along with his or her parent or guardian, for
interview at the program’s office and later evaluation meeting as
dictated by the Director
The above criteria are used not only to determine initial eligibility
for the program, but also to determine continuing eligibility after a
match with a volunteer has been made.
Referring parties are reminded that the volunteers who serve as mentors
are not trained professionals and that children with severe emotional
problems may not be appropriate for the services provided by this
program.
Referring parties should also be aware that at times eligible children
will be placed on a “waiting list” until an appropriate
volunteer is selected. The waiting list of children approved as
eligible is limited to 25 slots. When the list is full, children
referred will be held on a referral list and will not be sent
applications until a slot opens on the waiting list.
Eligibility of Volunteers
1. Be at least 18 years of age
2. Be able to serve for a minimum of a year
3. Be able to see the youth each week for 2 hours
4. Have access to a car or demonstrate an adequate and acceptable
alternative, and provide proof of adequate automobile liability
insurance
5. Be able to meet at the program’s office for interviewing and later evaluation as directed by the Director
6. Provide a completed application form, a release of information form, and at least four letters of reference
7. Agree to police check of prior arrests and convictions
8. Be able to attend training sessions given by the program’s Director and abide by the rules of the volunteer
9. Demonstrate a sincere interest in working with children, and the emotional maturity and stability to do so.
The above criteria are used not only to determine initial eligibility
for the program, but also to determine continuing eligibility after a
match with the youth is made.
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