"I Choose Support" Mentoring Movement

 

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The “I Choose Support" mentoring movement is a faith and community based mentoring program which involves community volunteers providing support and guidance to returning citizens. Individuals who have successfully completed supervision under the criminal justice system can also choose to support in this effort.

The goal of mentoring is broadly focused on addressing offender needs for pro-social relationships, assisting them in developing solutions to basic living skill problems, and engaging them in the community. The transition from prison to the community or the expectation from case managers can cause returning citizens to be overwhelmed by issues such as employment, transportation, and housing. Given that case managers are commonly viewed as authority figures, coaches may be more effective at providing informal and emotional support than formal interventions. It is important for returning citizens to know that the community is invested in their success which is what community coaches assure.

Each pilot site consists of eligible dedicated coaches providing mentoring to willing participants prior to release and continuing upon their return to the community. Coaches have the flexibility to mentor participants in a variety of means, locations, etc.

  • Programs should attempt to maintain coach/participant relationships in a one-to-one model for a minimum of six months

  • Coaches may also utilize other contact models such as group, team, and e-mentoring

  • Mentoring sessions must be held at a minimum of once every two weeks for 4 hours total monthly

  • Mentoring should be performed by “volunteers” rather than by paid program staff

  • Coaches should be the same gender and preferably older than the participant

Role of a Coach

The essential role of a coach is to be a supporter. It will take time for some participants to open up and feel comfortable in discussions during mentoring meetings and other interactions with their coaches. Coaches are responsible for working with eligible returning citizens in a variety of possible forms to provide support and act as a positive role model in the returning citizens’ lives. Coaches have to work thoughtfully to build the relationship and develop trust that is sustained over time.

Key Responsibilities

  • Attend orientation, training, and educational programs offered by DCS as directed by the circuit manager or program coordinator

  • Develop a relationship with the participants

  • Contact the officer of record or case manager immediately upon learning that the participant is believed to be involved in a new offense or drug or alcohol abuse

  • Communicate and cooperate with the officer of record and mentoring coordinator as necessary

  • Keep a log of interactions with participants, e.g. date, duration, significant issues addressed, progress, etc. Mentors should not assess but rather communicate with participants

  • Must not provide professional services unless certified or licensed to do so

Coaches should be familiar with the Community Supervision Officer (CSO), also called “case managers”, of their mentees and be willing to serve as mandatory reporters when necessary. They are to document every contact with the returning citizens in a manner that can be accessed by the CSO and everyone involved with the returning citizen’s case.

Key Qualities

  • A non-judgmental listener

  • Knowledgeable of resources in the community

  • Problem solving and wise decision making

  • Ability to introduce the returning citizen to positive leisure activities

  • Ability to navigate changes in relationships with family and loved ones

  • Ability to providing coaching on life skills, i.e., goal setting, stress management, interview skills, and budgeting

Participant Requirements

In-reach participants with a Next Generation Assessment (NGA) score of 5 or more in any area are prioritized for the “I Choose Support” mentoring movement. Additionally, a Reentry Counselor may recommend mentorship as deemed necessary as a result of their assessment and on-going communication. In-Reach cases requesting mentorship are given priority. Participants are screened as closely as coaches for this program in that there should be an interest in a successful transition into society and receptiveness to assistance. Participation in the movement is voluntary on the part of the returning citizen.

Participant criteria

  • Should be 18 to 30 years of age

  • Should be within 90 days of release from prison

  • Have at least 6 months remaining on community supervision

  • Must be willing to participate for at least a 6 month period

If you are interested in volunteering as a mentor. please click the link below.

I WANT TO MENTOR