ProgramsAll of the children referred to Mentor Iowa are between the ages of 4 -16. Most have been adjudicated as Children in Need of Assistance (CINA) by the Juvenile Court because of abuse and/or neglect. The children referred to Mentor Iowa come from a wide range of living situations that separate them from the population at large. At any given time you will find:
0% live with both parents
50% live in single parent homes
18% are in foster care
27% are with grandparents or other relatives
1% are in group homes
3% live with adopted parents
1% are in independent living
2008 Measurable Results: (These results are obtained through Quarterly Assessments and Mentor Reporting Forms)
71 % of children referred to the program received some form of programming
85 % of mentees felt they have benefited from having a mentor
39 % of children on waiting list became matched within 6 months
91 % of matches closed on good terms
26 % of inquiries became mentors
88 % of new mentors felt they were adequately trained to be a mentor
84 % of mentors attended at least two Continuing Education Classes or Group Events
Mentor Iowa Programs:
One-on-One Program: matches a volunteer mentor with a Child in Need of Assistance or (CINA). Mentor Iowa works directly with the Department of Human Services (DHS) with CINA referred by a Juvenile Court Judge.
Early Services Project (ESP): Working with Juvenile Court Services, Orchard Place Child Guidance Center, and the Des Moines Public School District, Mentor Iowa provides mentoring services to children, ages 4 - 11, who have committed a minor delinquent act.
Truancy Court: A collaboration with Truancy Court, Des Moines Public Schools and the Polk County Attorney's office. Mentor Iowa volunteers are matched with referred middle school students who have a history of truancy.
Youth Justice Initiative (YJI): A partnership with the City of West Des Moines. Mentor Iowa trains YJI volunteer mentors for West Des Moines youth who have committed a delinquent act.
Girl Power: A program for females between the ages of 11 through 16. Girl Power is designed to provide a forum for young women to interact with each other and discuss areas of common concern. Issues addressed include: career exploration, substance use and abuse, gangs and violence and sexuality and healthy decision making. The mentors of these young women are encouraged to participate in the Girl Power program.
