Mentoring Program Practices as Predictors of Match Longevity

• NCJ Number: 252286
• Author(s): Janis B. Kupersmidt; Kathryn N. Stump; Rebecca L. Stelter; Jean E. Rhodes
• Date Published: February 2017
• Length: 0 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2012-JU-FX-0009
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical); Report (Study/Research); Report (Grant Sponsored); Program/Project Evaluation; Program/Project Description

Annotation

This article reports on a study that assessed Benchmark program practices and Standards in the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring (MENTOR, 2009) as predictors of mentoring match longevity; and secondary data analyses were conducted on a national agency information management database from 45 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies and 29,708 mentoring matches from across the United States.

Abstract

Agency leaders completed a web‐based survey describing their policies, procedures, and practices. Results revealed that the only individual Standard that was predictive of match length was the Training Standard. In addition, the sum total of both Benchmark program practices and Standards were associated with match length and long‐term relationships; however, neither predicted premature match closure. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of implementation of evidence‐based practices, particularly mentor training, for achieving effective mentoring outcomes. (Publisher abstract modified)