Adapting the Friends of the Children programme for child welfare system‐involved families

Abstract

Research has shown the importance of long-term, caring adults for children in foster care. This paper reviews the Friends of the Children (FOTC) long-term mentoring programme and how it was adapted to serve children and families with child welfare system involvement. This study's two research questions are (1) How do Friends (FOTC's paid professional mentors) currently work with, and in turn, have an impact on, child welfare-involved families? and (2) How can Friends better support child welfare systeminvolved caregivers and families to promote family stability, permanence, and child wellbeing? Data were collected from 21 caregivers (foster and biological), 24 FOTC Friends, five child welfare workers, and five teachers. Qualitative analyses of focus group, interview, and open-ended survey data revealed a wide variety of ways Friends currently support children and families. In addition, several recommendations were made for strengthening programming. These findings provide valuable insights into providing long-term mentoring to child welfare system-involved children and families.

Formal youth mentoring relationships in the context of risk: What is the role of caregiver–mentor collaboration?

“…For example, the mentor may share a resource in the community—like job training or educational resources—that can benefit the caregiver or another family member. The mentor can help the caregiver to navigate a system like the child's school or a healthcare organization (Salazar et al, 2019), provide needed respite (Keller et al, 2018), reinforce the caregiver's approach with the child (Keller et al, 2018), or even help to improve the caregiver‐child relationship (Chan et al, 2013; Tierney et al, 1995). One study with an experimental design found that parents of youth with mental health conditions reported reduced parenting stress and greater perceived social support when their child received mentoring (Jent & Niec, 2006).…”

Black Youths’ Perspectives: Importance of Family and Caregiver Involvement in the Mentor–Mentee Relationship

“…This study focuses on the experiences of Black youth engaged in professional mentoring relationships, in which mentors are paid for their on-going relationship with youth. Few studies have examined the impacts of professional mentorship [ 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Of those few, findings are limited regarding the professional mentors’ engagement with mentees’ family/caregiver.…”

“…Of those few, findings are limited regarding the professional mentors’ engagement with mentees’ family/caregiver. Salazar et al [ 20 ] conducted a study that included professional mentors, teachers, caseworkers, and caregivers of children involved in the child welfare system. They found that caregivers appreciated the support of the professional mentor in navigating complex systems, connecting with services and supports, and building connections among providers and stakeholders in the families’ lives.…”