Therapeutic Mentoring
For kids in recovery, a mentor is critical to their treatment. They need someone to work with them closely in their community, to help them get on a good path. This is especially true of kids in single-parent families and risky neighborhoods, as well as kids in foster care or a therapeutic foster home.
“Therapeutic Mentoring” is the title given to this program, and it is a structured, one-to-one support service between a therapeutic mentor and a youth (up to the age of 21) for the purpose of addressing communication, daily-living, and social needs.
The mentor serves as a positive role model – someone who helps the child understand and communicate their own feelings. The mentor can help the child relate to others their own age – and cultivate positive relationships with adults.
A mentor will go to the child’s home, and to their school, child care center or other setting. The mentor helps the child to develop:
- Enhanced interpersonal skills
- Increased emotional control
- Better problem-solving skills
- Improved communication with both peers and adults
At RIMS, we strongly believe in the value of Therapeutic Mentoring – as it gives many children a close positive influence they need in their lives. They benefit when an adult teaches them how to handle the challenges of everyday life – so they can better function in society, and have a happier, more productive life overall.
Studies show that children who have at least one consistent, caring adult in their lives are less likely to drop out of school or get into trouble with law enforcement. They are better prepared to build good relationships with their own families.
These mentoring relationships help to ensure the child’s success in navigating various social environments, learning new skills and making progress. When a mentor shows they care, they give these kids a reason to feel optimistic. Kids are more likely to work at their treatment — and hope for a brighter future.