The word “mentor” is derived from the Greek words meno and mentos, respectively, meaning “to remain, abide, continue, be present, wait and endure” and “with purpose, spirit and passion.” At some point in life, every individual has had someone special who took time and made aspirations and goals seem achievable. Many of the world's most successful people have benefited from having a mentor. For a child with one or both parents incarcerated, the commitment and support of a mentor is beyond measure.
According to recent statistics, approximately two million minor children in the United States have at least one parent in a correctional facility. These children suffer a disruption in the relationship with their parent, and they often struggle with the economic, social and emotional burdens created by incarceration. Mentors can make a difference by:
- Challenging young people to excel academically and in extracurricular activities that promote healthy social interaction, team-building, collaboration and mutual benefit.
- Providing an opportunity for children to develop a trusting relationship with a supportive, caring adult.
- Helping young people improve their relationships with others.
- Working alongside caregivers to reinforce a stable environment grounded in values and a belief in family.
- Exposing young people to educational and cultural events and opportunities.
When successfully implemented, mentoring programs for children of incarcerated parents have the potential to improve socio-emotional skills and produce stronger, healthier relationships between children, their peers and authority figures, leading to better outcomes in social and academic competence.
Did You Know?
- More than two million children come from homes broken by violence, drugs and the incarceration of at least one parent. Eight to 10 percent of these children have a mother in jail.
- One in five children are present at the time of the arrest of their mother and more than half are less than seven years of age.
- Seven thousand children of the courts live and struggle in Allegheny County.
- Two-thirds of the youth in the juvenile justice system have one or both parents in prison and are six times more likely to engage in negative behaviors.
- Mentored children are 46 percent less likely to get involved with drugs and alcohol.
- 59 percent of mentored youth improve their grades, and 86 percent go on to higher education.
- 80 percent of youth in the juvenile justice system do not return to the system after being mentored.
- More than 400 children have been matched with caring adult mentors through Amachi partnerships.
80 percent of youth in the juvenile justice system do not return to the system after being mentored.