- Who it's for
- Youth / Young Adult, Outside Caregiver, Whole Family
- Child / youth age
- Ages 12–15
- Geography
- Local
- Action type
- Find Help
- Reading time
- About 4 min
- Last verified
- August 2026
What this is
Guidance on identifying and maintaining a mentoring relationship for a young person.
Why it matters
One consistent adult outside the household is repeatedly associated with better outcomes for young people.
What you should know
- Mentors are often already nearby: coaches, program staff, employers, faith leaders, and teachers.
- Structured programs screen and train mentors, which adds safety.
- Short, regular contact beats long, rare contact.
- It is fine to end a mentoring match that is not working.
Your next step
Name one adult the young person already trusts and one way to see them monthly.
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