Thank you for your openness in mentoring a child or youth impacted by foster care who is experiencing isolation or a lack of caring and supportive relationships. Every year, over 1,000 youth age out of the foster care system without ever finding permanency. Without stable family and community, these youth are at very high risk of falling into addictions, homelessness, trafficking, involvement with the criminal justice system, and unplanned pregnancy. Research shows that one caring adult showing up consistently in a youth's life can make a positive impact on long term outcomes, and it is our hope that the mentoring relationship will grow into an extended family kind of connection. Most of the children and youth referred to our mentoring program have little to no contact with biological family and virtually no community connections. Many of them struggle with feeling unwanted, worthless, and alone. The goal of the Keystone Family Alliance Mentoring Program is to help these teens and young adults experience the love of Christ through being seen, loved, and valued in a relationship with a caring Christian mentor.
Please be aware that children and youth's experience in the child welfare system can be extremely fluid and unpredictable, and there is always the possibility of a mentee being transferred to another county unexpectedly, especially for children and youth living in institutions. Continuation of the mentoring relationship in such cases will depend on the mentor wishes and the caseworker/agency ability to facilitate continued contact.
Please answer the questions below. If you are applying as a couple, please fill out a separate application for each of you.
Mentor qualifications and requirements:
If you have any questions about the program or this application, please contact Sarah Whiteford at sarahw@keyfam.org