What is Safe Families Plus?
Safe Families PLUS (Providing Lasting Unconditional Support) is a program that exists to provide support for youth who are aging out of the foster care system through one-on-one mentorship.
Who is a mentor?
A mentor is a steady, trusted volunteer who chooses to walk alongside a young person in foster care for at least one year. Our mentors are volunteers, age 25+, who meet regularly with their mentees, encourage them toward their goals, and provide extended-family like support as youth transition out of the child welfare system.
All mentors complete PLUS training and onboarding, and are supported by a Mentor Coach (Safe Families PLUS staff) throughout their journey with their mentee.
Who are our mentees?
Our mentees are youth and young adults (ages 14-21) who are navigating life in foster care and seeking the support of a trusted mentor. They may be living in a foster home, a group home, a transitional living program, or beginning their move toward independent living. As they approach 21 and prepare to exit the child welfare system, mentors help ensure they don’t have to navigate this transition alone.
What does mentoring look like?
PLUS mentors and mentees are expected to be in contact at least three times per month, including a minimum of two in-person visits per month. Activities are flexible and determined between the mentor and mentee, as long as there is regular and consistent contact.
Mentoring can take the form of:
Going out for a meal
Exploring the city or nature
Phone calls, texts and emails to check in
Celebrating holidays and birthdays
Teaching life skills such as budgeting, grocery shopping, cooking, etc.
Educational and career exploration
Providing transportation
Parenting support
Serving as an emergency contact
Why is Mentoring Important?
Nationally, an estimated 15,000 youth emancipate or “age out” of foster care each year.
Many youth in the child welfare system are never placed in a permanent home, and enter adulthood with limited support and few opportunities. Without stable relationships or guidance, these youth are more vulnerable to homelessness, trafficking, financial exploitation, substance use, and other challenges that make their transition to adulthood more difficult.
Author, speaker, and former foster youth Josh Shipp says: “Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story”. A mentor can play a pivotal role in the life of a youth who is beginning to navigate adulthood by providing guidance, encouragement, and belief in their potential as they transition out of foster care.
How do I apply or learn more?
If you are interested in being a mentor for a youth in foster care, and you are located in the Greater Chicago area, you can begin the application here.
For more information or questions, contact safefamiliesPLUS@safefamilies.net.
