B.E.S.T. Mentoring Program  

Interested in volunteering? Call 303-441-3718.

Enhanced Supervision: Diverting Youth from Incarceration
The Boulder Enhanced Supervision Team (B.E.S.T.) provides services to youth who would otherwise be incarcerated. The program aims to help the youth live productive and successful lives in the community by providing supervision, monitoring, support, personalized plans and face-to-face contact with various professionals.

Why Mentoring Matters
Many juveniles who become involved in the justice system have come from difficult family situations and/or have suffered traumas, and they face the added challenge of negative peer influences. The B.E.S.T. Mentoring Program matches adults and juveniles one-on-one in order to provide the youth with enduring links to positive supports in the community. By providing adult role models who are not involved in the justice system,  juveniles gain a unique support relationship that can promote the development of positive assets and reduce the likelihood of recidivism. Mentors also provide individual attention that separates youth from the potential influences of higher-risk peers.

Research indicates that mentoring has a positive effect on youth. Youth with mentors are:

• 46 % less likely to start using drugs
• 27 % less likely to start drinking
• 52 % less likely to skip a day of school
• and 37% less likely to miss class
  (Source: Big Brothers Big Sisters of America)

Make a Difference in the Life of a Youth - and in Your Community
The B.E.S.T. Mentor Program is currently recruiting mentors for both boys and girls. As a mentor, you will meet weekly with a teen for several hours. Think you don't have time? You can set your weekly meetings according your juvenile's and your scheduling needs. Organize your outings around the activities you enjoy - whether going to a baseball game, seeing a movie, taking a hike, making crafts or just going out for a bite to eat, spending time together is the most important thing.

As a mentor you will receive:

• 16 hours of training as well as ongoing training and support
• Mileage reimbursement for mentoring-related trips
• Monthly group activities with B.E.S.T. program leaders and other mentoring pairs
• Access to coupons for local restaurants for outings with your match
• The satisfaction of knowing you're making a difference in the life of a youth and helping them become a successful part of the community
• A meaningful relationship with a youth who may not have enjoyed many healthy relationships
• An opportunity to learn about the juvenile justice system and work with professionals from a network of youth-serving agencies
• Experience for individuals who want to pursue careers working with youth or criminal justice.

Responsibilities and Requirements:

• Provide mentoring to teens, ages 11-17, who are involved in the juvenile justice system
• Complete 16 hours of training
• Commit to meet with your partner an average of 3 hours per week for one year (Days of the week and times are flexible)

Minimum Qualifications:

• An ability to interact with teens in a positive, appropriate, supportive and respectful manner
• Must be at least 21 years old
• Must possess a valid Colorado driver's license
• Must pass a criminal background check
• Maturity, patience and good communication skills
• Some understanding of child development and adolescent behavior preferred.

To volunteer or for more information, contact the Justice Services Volunteer Coordinator at 303-441-3718 or jallan@bouldercounty.org.

More About the B.E.S.T. Mentoring Program

In October 2006, Boulder County received a 9-month, one-time grant from Tony Grampsas Youth Services to pilot a girls' mentoring program. The B.E.S.T. Program hired a half-time program coordinator and trained 12 mentors, of whom 10 are currently matched with girls involved in the juvenile justice system.Mentors spend at least 3 hours per week with their mentees participating in activities including pottery painting, horseback riding, dance classes, movies and more.

Group activities are also scheduled monthly where all mentors, their paired girls and the Mentor Coordinator participate in group activities like self defense classes, pottery, horseback riding and ropes courses.

In July 2007, program organizers decided to expand the mentoring program to be open to both boys and girls, with a goal of matching 20 mentor pairs per year.

Initial results of the girls' program show that many of the teens enjoy and value their relationship with their mentors.

• One mentee said that she "felt stronger emotionally" as a result of participating in the program.
• For several mentoring pairs, the mentees would specifically request to meet with their mentors for support during times of crisis. One teen, upon leaving a difficult court appearance, requested to see her mentor as soon as possible.
• One mentor attended a placement hearing to provide support and encouragement for the teen during the meeting.

For more information or to volunteer, contact the Justice Services Volunteer Coordinator at 303-441-3718 or jallan@bouldercounty.org.