Professionalize Supervision of Mentoring Programs

by Assemblyman Steven Sanders

Today there are countless mentoring programs run by social service, academic, health and community institutions which match youngsters with caring adult volunteers. These adults serve as positive role models and provide extra support, guidance and friendship in a young person’s life. An increasing body of research shows that one-to-one relationships between volunteers and youth can dramatically change a child’s life for the better. Mentoring has been shown to be highly effective in improving young persons’ grades and attendance, boosting self-esteem and helping them steer clear of trouble with the law.

However, the quality of mentoring can fluctuate widely between programs, and parents should have the option of selecting programs, if they wish, where the supervisor has earned State certification. For that reason, I have introduced legislation backed by a coalition of over 50 nonprofit organizations throughout the state—led by Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC—to create a State certification for qualified supervisors of mentoring programs. Similar legislation has been introduced in the State Senate by Senator Randy Kuhl (R-Steuben County).

Not surprisingly, research shows that children do better when there is at least one person in their life who takes an interest and is there to listen. In today’s fast-paced world, an increasing number of children are met with the challenge of not having enough caring adults in their lives. A century ago, society began to change the way it thinks about providing guidance to young people in need through the creation of formalized mentoring programs.

I believe that the professional training that mentor supervisors would receive is the best way to achieve lasting relationships between carefully screened and trained mentors and the adolescents that they guide. In addition, a certificate will provide parents, volunteers and funders of programs the ability to select programs which are run by trained and qualified staff.

To earn State certification, individuals will be required to take course work and gain fieldwork experience in supervising mentoring relationships. The course work curriculum will be based on best mentoring practices and include program management topics such as intake, screening, recruitment and evaluation.

As mentoring programs continue to grow, the time has come for our state to provide a certification opportunity for program supervisors, to help ensure the professionalism of the programs and serve as an added level of reassurance for parents.

Assemblyman Sanders is Chairman, NYS Assembly Education Committee.

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