Adoption Option Inc. Mentor Program
Adoption Option Inc.’s YIT Mentoring services are designed to facilitate readiness for independence into adulthood for youth ages 14-21 who were in foster care placement one day after their 14th birthday. Youth are matched with trained and qualified mentors based on common interests and overall compatibility.
Youth Recruitment
Services Offered by Our Agency
Youth will set goals and work with a mentor in appropriate areas that may include, but are not limited to:
Independent living skills (budgeting, shopping, food preparation, laundry, home maintenance, etc.)
Conflict resolution
Self-advocacy
Effective communication
Positive thinking
Honesty and values
Problem solving
Tutoring
Stress management
Assertiveness vs. aggressiveness training
Substance abuse education
Health and mental health needs
Housing
2. Youth and their mentors will participate in local Activities that align with the youth’s goals in the program. This could include:
Community Cultural Events
Job/Career Fairs
College/University Campus Visits
Museum Trips
Meals
Health/Mental Health Wellness Events
3. Youth will be connected with appropriate community resources in the areas that may include, but are not limited to:
Tutoring
Stress management
Assertiveness vs. aggressiveness training
Substance abuse education
Health and mental health needs
Housing
Client Eligibility Criteria
Youth eligible for this contract are youth ages 14 to 21 and currently in foster care as result of an abuse or neglect court action and in an eligible placement, as well as youth aged 18 to 21 who have a closed foster care case and were eligible for YIT funding while the case was open.
Referral Process In the written referral DHHS shall identify:
a. Date of referral.
b. Name of each client to be provided service.
c. Address and contact information of the referred client(s).
d. Reasons for referral.
e. Referring worker’s emergency on call phone number.
Adoption Option Inc, Child Welfare Organization shall:
a. AOICWO shall accept or reject written referrals from DHHS within 24 hours.
b. AOICWO must contact the client within five calendar days of accepting a referral.
c. AOICWO must provide the client with a mentor match within 14 calendar days of accepting a referral.
For More Information have your DHHS worker Contact Stephanie Curtis:
Office Number: 989-839-0534
Email: SCurtis@aoicw.org
Click here for YIT Mentoring Services Flyer: YIT_MentoringServices
Click here for YIT Mentoring Services Referral Form: AOI YIT Referral Form
Mentor Recruitment
Services Offered by Our Agency
Mentors will advocate for and guide the youth in appropriate areas that may include, but are not limited to:
- Independent living skills (budgeting, shopping, food preparation, laundry, home maintenance, etc.)
- Conflict resolution
- Self-advocacy
- Effective communication
- Positive thinking
- Honesty and values
- Problem solving
- Tutoring
- Stress management
- Assertiveness vs. aggressiveness training
- Substance abuse education
- Health and mental health needs
- Housing
2. Mentors and youth will participate in local Activities that align with the youth’s goals in the program. This could include:
- Community Cultural Events
- Job/Career Fairs
- College/University Campus Visits
- Museum Trips
- Meals
- Health/Mental Health Wellness Events
3. Mentors will advocate for and guide the mentored youth in connecting with appropriate community resources in the areas that may include, but are not limited to:
- Tutoring
- Stress management
- Assertiveness vs. aggressiveness training
- Substance abuse education
- Health and mental health needs
- Housing
4. Mentors will be trained in:
- Overview of foster care and juvenile justice systems
- Positive youth development and related activities
- Independent living preparation and goal setting
- Mentor role and responsibility
- Limit-setting and appropriate boundaries
- Positive and productive relationships
- Program requirements and expectations for mentor candidates
- DHHS program initiatives for older youth
- Understanding community resources available for youth.
6. A Mentor Supervisor is provided to ensure that mentoring services meet the youth’s needs.
7. The Mentor Supervisor will organize and coordinate mentor matches with youth referred for services to ensure they are compatible and share common interests.
8. The Mentor Supervisor will keep a list of current community resources that are free or of reduced cost.
ELIGIBILITY
Mentors must be 21 or older have a valid drivers license, commit to at least 12 months in the program, complete training requirements, and complete required background checks.
For More Information on becoming a mentor Contact Melody Graves:
Office Number: 989-839-0534
Email: MGraves@aoicw.org
Become a Mentor
Mentor Forms
Mentor Interest Survey
Mentor Application
Phone and Fax
Phone: (989) 839-0534
Fax: (989) 839-0537
Address
PO Box 2225
Midland, MI 48641-2225
