Mentor Frequently Asked Questions

Once I have submitted my application what are the next steps?

After submitting your application we will contact you by telephone and schedule a time to conduct an interview at your residence. If the interview is successful and you appear to be a good fit for our program we will provide you paperwork to get fingerprinted. After the fingerprints have cleared we request a copy of your DMV printout and current automobile policy. Then you’re DONE!

How do I get a copy of my DMV driving record?

If you have access to the internet you can pay a $2.00 fee and print it out at:http://www.dmv.ca.gov/online/dr/welcome.htm?lang=en or you can get a copy from any DMV office.

How long does it take to get matched up with a youth?

From the time you submit your application until you first meet your mentee usually takes less than a month.  

What if I have little to no experience with “at-risk” teens?

TeenWorks offers a Mentor Manual and a training session when you are matched with a youth.  We seek to offer your support and encouragement throughout your entire mentoring experience. 

What role does a “TeenWorks mentor” play?

A mentor is designed to provide support, direction, and encouragement. Simply put, an adult friend who can come alongside a teen and give them the hope they never had.

What types of activities do mentors typically do with their mentee?

This can vary quite a bit depending on hobbies/interests and length or relationship. Activities can range from coffee and attending a movie to a day fishing or working in the yard with your mentee.

Does TeenWorks provide any organized activities?

Occasionally, TeenWorks will arrange a group activity, such as attending a sporting event or picnic or bowling outing.

As a mentor am I responsible for paying for my youth when we are doing certain activities together?

No. However, the majority of the teens in our programs come from lower socioeconomic families. It is your decision as to what you may be willing to spend on your activities with your mentee. In most instances your mentee may not have money with them for your activity. This may be something you can discuss with your mentee and their guardian prior to your scheduled activity. TeenWorks has a limited fund to help mentors pay for some activities with their mentees. We pay for any group events to which mentors and mentees are invited.

Are there any other time commitment requirements I should know about?

TeenWorks requires a minimum of a one year commitment. The only other time commitment is attending a training workshop twice a year that consists of approximately 1.5 hours of training per session.

I have a criminal history dating back several years ago. Will that disqualify me from becoming a mentor?

Not necessarily. Know that if you do have a history of arrest(s) and/or convictions, we take care to look at each person individually based on various factors and make a determination.

I have a DUI on my record and want to know if that will disqualify me from becoming a mentor?

If you have a current driver’s license, automobile insurance, and are not currently on probation we look at each case individually.

I am really interested in becoming a mentor, but have a varying work schedule and sometimes travel for business, which I fear may get in the way of mentoring?

This is oftentimes what keeps many great mentors from joining TeenWorks. However, one of the unique things about mentoring one-on-one is making it fit into your personal schedule. The only schedule you typically have to work around is the youth’s school schedule, but other than that you are able to schedule your meeting times/activities to fit into your family/work schedule. If you can’t meet one week due to a work conflict or schedule conflict we just ask you spend a bit more time with your mentee next week and keep in touch with him/her.

I have my own family that includes children and want to know if it is safe to invite my mentee over to my house or bring him/her on family activities?

As you build a relationship with your teen and get to know him/her it is very common to include them in your family life and also invite them over to your house. Although, this may not be the case for each youth in our program TeenWorks encourages our mentors to expose the teens to healthy families and marriages.