Mentoring and its Effect on the Life Chances and Experiences of Children in Group Homes

Mentoring relationships can be defined as an interaction between a less experienced individual, called a mentee or protégé, and a more experienced individual known as a mentor. The relationship that the mentee and the mentor establish is one that provides influential and emotional support. Research suggests that mentoring relationships have a positive effect on children in group homes. Although children in group homes may not have strong support from their biological families or kin, they often count on the undivided support from their counselors. For this study, group home stakeholders (director, counselors and children) were supportive of developing a formal mentoring program as part of the group home experience.