Abstract
Preventing first-time offending youth from repeating delinquent behavior is of interest to society. Empirical evidence indicates that high-quality mentoring can prevent a wide array of negative outcomes for at-risk youth. This study examines the perspectives of 87 first-time offending youth, ages 10 to 18 years (M = 15), who participated in Campus Connections: Therapeutic Mentoring of At-Risk Youth. Through in-depth individual interviews, youth reported that mentoring helped them: (a) improve school experiences and performance, (b) create healthier relationships, (c) feel better about themselves, (d) think more positively about their future, and (e) decrease engagement in delinquency. The mentees attributed program components as well as the relationship with their mentor as important. These program components can be integrated into other mentoring programs.
Highlights
Adolescent delinquent behavior, including theft, substance abuse and possession, vandalism, trespassing, assault, and harassment is a serious problem in the United States
The purpose of this study was to examine youths’ perceptions of the influence that participating in a mentoring program had on their lives using qualitative methods
Participants expressed that mentoring had helped them: (a) improve their experience in school, (b) build healthier relationships, (c) feel better about themselves, (d) think more positively about their future, and Mentoring At-Risk Youth (e) decrease their likelihood of engaging in delinquent behavior
Summary
Adolescent delinquent behavior, including theft, substance abuse and possession, vandalism, trespassing, assault, and harassment is a serious problem in the United States. In 2012, more than 1.3 million adolescents were arrested (Puzzanchera, 2014) This is a major public health concern, as many of these youth will have life trajectories permeated by substance abuse, risky sexual behaviors and serious mental health problems (Mason, Hitchings, McMahon, & Spoth, 2007; Palermo, 2009; The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, 2004). These delinquent behaviors impose a significant toll on our nation. Preventing first-time offending youth from repeating delinquent behavior is of particular interest and tremendous benefit to our society
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