Innovative & Collaborative Mentoring Movement

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2022

Mentoring can be a great outlet for children from at-risk neighborhoods, providing pro-social activities and opportunities to balance emotions and receive support. Miami-Dade County Juvenile Services Department (JSD) identified mentoring as a need to prevent future delinquency for clients involved in its diversion and prevention continuum. The JSD collaborated with South Florida CARES Mentoring Movement Program (CARES), an affiliate of the National CARES Mentoring Movement, for JSD’s diversion and prevention clients to participate in an evidence-based group mentoring curriculum, The Rising: Elevation Education, Expectations and Self-Esteem. The collaborative partnership bridges relationships between at-risk populations, communities, schools, and local community-based organizations to build skills and encourages personal growth in children. The program services include case management and mental wellness circle, focusing on ten essential pillars, such as stress, community, and heritage, to equip children with the tools to overcome any challenges. JSD clients are identified by JSD Case Managers as part of the diversion and prevention intake process and referred to CARES to participate in weekly wellness Mentoring Circles. Groups are facilitated by trained mentors, psychologists, and social workers, and include a JSD representative. The goal is to connect children early to a mentor to enhance protective factors, build resilience, and discourage future involvement in juvenile delinquency.