Youth Offending

Mentoring

Mentoring pairs a volunteer with a young person at risk of offending. The volunteer's role is to motivate and support the young person on the scheme through a sustained relationship, over an extended period of time.

The relationship is built upon trust and a commitment to confidentiality and equality between the mentor and the young person.

The relationship must be structured and have clearly identified objectives. These objectives should be to help the young person identify and achieve educational, vocational or social goals which address the factors in the young person's life that put them at risk of offending.

The Youth Offending Service has delivered a career mentoring scheme since 2005, funded by Connexions.

This delivers a mentoring role to young people with a specific emphasis on education, training and employment.

The work continues after the young person has completed their order with the Youth Offending Service, to provide sustainability and a sound exit strategy.