Now accepting applications for mentors.
Please see below for FAQs and instructions on how to begin the application process.
Thank you!
Child Safe Michigan provides mentors for children in foster care. Mentors are friends, advocates and supporters who listen, care and help.
For more information, contact Child Safe at 248-353-0921.
MENTORING FAQ
First we start with an interview so we can get to know you a little bit better followed by a training which is about 6 hours long. Additionally, we do background checks on all our mentors to ensure the safety of the children we serve.
Matches are made based on geographic location and common interests. We want to make it as easy and fun as possible for you and your mentee to spend time together!
Our mentoring program is dedicated to mentoring children in foster care at Child Safe, Judson Center and other local foster care agencies. In fact, our mentoring program is the only community based mentoring program in the State of Michigan that is solely focused on serving youth in the foster care system.
We ask that you meet with your mentee at least 2 times per month to build a strong and lasting relationship.
We ask for a minimum of a one year commitment from our mentors and mentees. However, the average length of a match is about 2 ½ years and 30% of our mentors and mentees have been matched for over 4 years!
You can do most anything that you both enjoy! Some examples are getting coffee and catching up, going to a sporting event, studying and reviewing schoolwork, volunteering for another organization, going to the library, going to the cider mill, going on a hike, having dinner together, etc.
At first we ask that you work on building your relationship one-on-one outside the home. After a few months we can discuss the possibility of the mentee coming to your house to interact with your family.
Any costs incurred are the responsibility of the mentor. However, we have a lot of creative ideas that are low or no cost. Additionally, Child Safe Michigan hosts about 4 activities per year and all mentors and mentees are invited to attend!
STEPS TO BECOMING A MENTOR
STEP 1: Application
Fill out the mentor application and send it back to Child Safe Michigan. Click to download the form.
STEP 2: Interview
Our experienced staff will call you to set up a one hour interview. We interview all potential mentors in order to get to know you better.
STEP 3: Background Check
A series of background checks are conducted to ensure the safety of the children we serve.
STEP 4: Attend Training
Attend a training session at our office in Royal Oak. Click for schedules.
STEP 5: Be Matched!
Be matched with a youth! Matches are based on interests, geographic location, preference and gender.