The member agencies and programs of Rochester Mentors ascribe to the following ten essentials for safe and effective mentoring of youth in our community:

1. Adherence to a Therapeutic Model, placing a premium on:

   • One to One Relationship - four hour minimum per month (preferably two or more contacts per month).
   • Long-term focus: with special attention paid to an least one year duration
2. Eligibility Screening
3. Written, signed application
4. Interview by trained mentor support specialist (face to face)
5. Background Checks – Required

   • Fingerprinting for state criminal history
   • Driving record check and proof of auto insurance
   • Sex offender registry check
   • Background Checks – Recommended to include:
     • Child abuse registry check
     • Local criminal history check
     • Federal criminal history fingerprint check
     • Professional and Personal Reference Checks
6. Training

   • Pre-match Training: content includes issues in mentoring relationships such as communication, boundaries and expectations, confidentiality, cultural sensitivity, age-appropriate behaviors and activities, advocacy, crisis intervention, program overview, match closure procedures
   • Post-match Training
   • Follow-up group training for networking, resource sharing, guidance
7. Match Meeting – Program arranges and documents an initial meeting between mentor and mentee.
8. Match Monitoring: containing regular updates from mentor/mentor coordinator contact indicating time spent with mentee, activities, changes, concerns, and good news in the match.
9. Closure Process: establishing procedures to manage both anticipated and unanticipated match closures.
10. Risk Management considerations made at the appropriate organizational level to include policies, procedures and effective insurance coverage.