Child Trends (February, 2002) article reviewed studies of ten youth mentoring programs, including both national and locally based programs, such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America. The review compares youth randomly assigned to a mentoring program with a group of similar youth who were not assigned. They found youth participating in mentoring relationships were:
· 50% more likely to have fewer absences from school;
· more likely to attend college;
· placed a higher value on school;
· 46% less likely to initiate drug use (minority youth were 70% less likely);
· 27% less likely to initiate alcohol use;
· committed fewer misdemeanors and felonies after program participation;
· 33% less likely to hit someone;
· had more positive attitudes toward the future, the elderly, and toward helping in general; and
· felt they trusted their parents more and communicated better with them.
A 40-year study found that nearly 70% of the kids living in the worst conditions are able to thrive nevertheless, if they are emotionally connected to some adult and within a community (Werner, 1989).
Extensive research confirms:
•Children who have an adult mentor are far less likely to engage in high-risk behaviors.
•Healthy bonding is a significant factor in children’s resistance to drug/alcohol use, violence, crime, and other problem behaviors.
•When children have a relationship with adult volunteers they improve their sense of well-being and their relationships with their parents.
•Children involved in mentoring relationships have a better attitude toward school, better attendance, and a better chance of going on to higher education.
•Prevention and intervention programs for children are valuable community investments.
Prevention and intervention programs for children are far less expensive than dealing with the end result of high risk behavior, such as involvement in the Juvenile Justice system. The Washington State Institute for Public Policy has studied the mentoring program in Washington's juvenile justice system, finding it reduced recidivism, or re-offending, and returns $3.58 of benefit to society for every dollar spent.
