Service #1 of 1: Mentoring Services for Foster Care Youth a. Activities the Contractor must perform: The Contractor must: Provide a mentor supervisor to meet with the mentor a minimum of once per quarter to assist with problem solving, communication, ideas for activities, etc. Recruit and interview volunteer mentors to assign to each referred youth. Interview topics shall include, but are not limited to interests, hobbies, backgrounds, availability, preferences, life experiences, temperament, and goals. Mentors must exhibit a positive attitude and desire to mentor foster care youth to assist in the development of independent living skills. Document recruitment activities and face-to-face interviews for all mentor candidates. Recruitment activities can begin once referrals for services are received by the Contractor. Conduct criminal background checks for all mentors annually at the Contractors expense. Use the information gathered from the application process to match mentors with youth based on common interests and compatibility. Mentors can be reassigned as needed if requested by the mentor, mentored youth, MDHHS Program Office, or MDHHS local office. Outline the mentor’s role in the program and discuss the youth's needs, expectations, and goals. Utilize the most recent Child Assessment of Needs and Strengths (CANS) for open case foster care youth. Develop a list of community resources for free or reduced cost activities that assist in the development of the mentor and mentored youth relationship. Activities must be completed in one day, align with the goals and interests of the mentored youth, and be approved by the mentor supervisor. Activities may include, but are not limited to: Community cultural events Job/career fairs College/university campus visits Museum trips Meals Health/mental health wellness events Approval for out-of-state travel for open case foster care youth must be approved by MDHHS through the appropriate local office. All out-of-state travel for closed case youth must be reviewed and approved by the Contractor. Mentors shall be reimbursed for activities that have been prior approved by the mentor supervisor. Contractor shall bill MDHHS for activities at actual cost with appropriate documentation. Develop and administer a training session for new mentors prior to being matched with youth to explain the needs and issues of youth in foster care. Training must be a minimum of eight-hours and include: Overview of foster care and juvenile justice systems Positive youth development and related activities Independent living preparation and goal setting Mentor role and responsibility Limit-setting and appropriate boundaries Positive and productive relationships Program requirements and expectations for mentor candidates MDHHS program initiatives for older youth Understanding community resources available for youth 9) Provide ongoing mentor training focused on preparing youth for independent living for a minimum two-hours each year regarding but not limited to: Trauma Education resources for youth in foster care Child welfare refresher and youth in transition programs 10) Ensure mentors: Attend required trainings Spend a minimum of four-hours per month with each mentored youth Document and submit the following each month: A mentor contact log indicating each hour spent with mentored youth A mentor mileage log indicating mileage and receipts for mentored youth related activities for reimbursement Sign confidentiality agreement stating that client names and personal information will not be given to anyone outside the program Advocate for and guide the mentored youth in appropriate areas that may include, but are not limited to: Independent living skills (budgeting, shopping, food preparation, laundry, home maintenance, etc.) Conflict resolution Self-advocacy Effective communication Positive thinking Honesty and values Problem solving Connect mentored youth with community resources in the areas that may include, but are not limited to: Tutoring Stress management Assertiveness vs. aggressiveness training Substance abuse education Health and mental health needs Housing
