[Aggie93]

Update. Sorry, this will be rambling.

Biggest take away was the ability to accept or decline a potential mentee. They conduct a detailed interview with the mentee and his family. I'll have full access to the mentee's in home interview.

There was a checklist of over a dozen items that I could select if those issues would be non-starters (ADD, smoking, lying, depression...) or okay. I indicated that the only item that would be a non-starter was family drug use. I said I thought I could handle everything else as long as they were minor. I would also have the opportunity to pass after hearing specifics. To help find common ground, there was a section for hobbies and interests that each mark off.

Age wise I selected 7-9 first and 10-12 second. Didn't select 4-6 or 13-16. I think those are the ages I'm most comfortable. From my own daughters, I learned I can only play Chutes n' Ladders so many times. I also, don't want to deal with the teenage years at the beginning.

The organization believes in strict boundaries. We set up times for the sessions and there is no "baby sitting." Siblings could come on occasion, no friends.

I am not bound to report abuse unless I see it firsthand. I'm supposed to report suspicion to the organization. They can follow it up under the guise of a standard follow up meeting.

The goals for the relationship are specific to each relationship. The mentee's family states what their goals are. I gave a pretty broad general goal of wanting to broaden their opportunities and experiences. Help them learn to make good choices. Teach life skills that I probably take for granted.

I have been told on numerous times that mentors are not parents, therapists, or bankers. Parents are told this as well as not Santa Clause.

The organization has just started a program with a low performing school district. Looks like my mentee will come from there and not be someone with a parent in prison, although the mentees that have been placed did have a parent in prison.

Now I wait.