Community Corrections - Volunteer Opportunities - Juvenile Mentors Program
General Description
The Dakota County Community Corrections Juvenile Mentors Program is seeking adult volunteers to serve as mentors to youth currently involved in the juvenile justice system. The program serves youth ages 14–21 years old, who are currently under Dakota County supervision. The mentoring relationship positively influences self-awareness, ability to trust, ability to engage in other positive relationships, and increase self-esteem and self-efficacy.
If you're interested in becoming a mentor or have questions about the program, please contact Brandon Head at brandon.head@co.dakota.mn.us.
What to expect
This is an opportunity to connect with a youth in need of direction and support. Their involvement in the criminal justice system does not define who they are. Often, these youth lack positive adults in their lives to model appropriate social norms that are crucial to living productive and engaging lives. This is where a mentor comes into play.
- Once the approval process is completed, the mentor connects directly with the mentee four times a month with at least two meetings being in person and the other two through cellphone or text messages.
- There will be opportunities to participate in bigger events such as attending sporting events and going to movies. Smaller outings such as getting a bite to eat together are important as well as they provide opportunities for conversation and connecting.
- There will be monthly structured group outings to come together.
- To ensure the match is going well, as well as providing ongoing support to everyone, there will be regular phone check-ins between the program coordinator, the mentor, and mentee.
- Mentors will be asked to keep a mentor report log for each interaction with his or her mentee. These logs will be turned into the coordinator to track progress.
Minimum Qualifications
- Volunteer must complete initial program inquiry before proceeding.
- Volunteer must take and pass a background check through Dakota County.
- Volunteer must be 21 years old or older.
- Volunteer must have a reliable form of transportation to our service centers in Hastings, West St. Paul and Apple Valley.
- Must be able to commit to time requirements for the program.
Time Requirement
Mentors in the program commit to supporting, guiding and being positive role models to their mentees for at least a six-month time frame.
Contact Information:
Brandon Head
Volunteer/Intern Program Coordinator
Email: brandon.head@co.dakota.mn.us
Phone: (952) 891-7151
Qualifications Required
- Some activities require that you complete a background check with Dakota County. Are you willing to undergo a background check? Must be Yes
- Background Check Must be Completed: Cleared
- Signed Volunteer Waiver Must be at least Yes
- Accepted Data Privacy Notice - Tennessen Notice Must be Yes
