Becoming a mentor can be one of the most fulfilling
things an adult can do. Mentoring is being hailed by many in the youth services
field as "the most effective intervention strategy for at risk kids". Research
has shown that a mentor in a child's life can decrease the effects of risk factors,
such as the propensity to:
- use alcohol and illegal drugs
-
become involved in gangs or other violent activities and the criminal justice
system
- become teen parents
On the positive side a mentor
can improve a child's life as seen through; - increased
self-esteem
- improved school attendance
- improved
grades
- increased interest and potential to attend college
-
improved relationships with parents and other authority figures