Mentoring Research Projects
Alberta Mentoring Pilot Projects Public Evaluation
Alberta Children and Youth Services and Alberta Aboriginal Relations along with Alberta Mentoring Partnership, since 2003 have partnered to support the implementation of four Aboriginal Mentoring Pilot sites. The objective of the evaluation was to document key findings from each site as they set out to deliver a youth mentoring program focused on Aboriginal children and/or youth.
The evaluation was to document the challenges and strengths of each project and highlight the aspects and conditions that make for a successful program. The four sites are: Paul First Nation, located west of Edmonton; Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, based in Edmonton; Metis Nation of Alberta Region III, based in Calgary; and Kainaiwa Children's Services, located on the Blood Tribe in southern Alberta.
Aboriginal Mentoring Pilot Projects Public Evaluation
Mentoring Literature Review
Over the years supporting youth at-risk through mentoring opportunities has been an integral part of the Alberta Children and Youth Services' Business Plan. Strategy 1.6 of the 2006-2009 Business Plan states Continue to support youth in transition (ages 13-22) by enhancing the access to mentoring opportunities through coordination of services and support to youth.
Dr. Karla Satchwell prepared a Mentoring Literature Review (attached) that reports on current research in the area of mentoring and reflects effective practices in mentoring. In the literature review Dr. Satchwell:
- provides information on types of mentoring relationships;
- explores the societal changes that have created a need for mentors;
- considers questions on matching mentors and mentees;
- review issues in recruiting and preparing mentors; and
- details the Government's role and organizational perspectives.
The purpose of this report is to allow individuals the opportunity to view a comprehensive report on current mentoring research. This report has been shared with participating Alberta Children and Youth Initiative (ACYI) ministries as part of identifying current government support for mentoring and to assist with development of an integrated strategy to support mentoring of children and youth in Alberta. The positive outcomes of mentoring are increasingly being recognized, and mentoring programs continue to expand.
Mentoring Literature Review
Handbook for Aboriginal Mentoring - what.why.how.who?
Alberta Children and Youth Services and Alberta Aboriginal Relations collaborated with Alberta Mentoring Partnership to develop four pilot sites, which will provide information about mentoring for Aboriginal people. An evaluation of the four sites was completed and learnings from the evaluation were posted on the Alberta Children and Youth Services' website and presented at the National Big Brothers Big Sister Conference in Toronto, Ontario. The evaluation demonstrated a need to develop a resource for individuals or groups interested in developing a mentoring program for Aboriginal people.
Based on learnings from the pilot sites, Aboriginal Mentoring Pilot steering committee and mentoring agencies a handbook has been developed in partnership with Alberta Aboriginal Relations. This handbook will support groups interested in operating an Aboriginal mentoring program.
