Enroll a Child

Clay County PALS recognizes that for the future of our children and the well-being of our communities, we must work together. We need the parents and guardians of our mentees to be involved every step of the way, starting with the initial match.

You should provide accurate information about your child’s strengths and needs during the written application process. You are encouraged to participate in the matching process. Once the match has been made, you should remain closely involved in many ways, including:

• Approving activities and outings for your child.
• Asking your child questions about those outings.
• Reporting your child’s progress and milestones to the Clay County PALS volunteer staff on occasion.
• Providing quick, consistent responses to your child’s adult mentor who will be contacting you each month to propose outings.

Mentoring Matters with Clay County PALS. Mentors are often motivators and role models who believe in their mentees, see their potential and help them get to where they want to go. Children and adolescents often have limited worldviews and experiences, and are beginning to rely less on parents and more on peers to help them learn ways to navigate social norms.

Research studies show that the brain continues to mature and develop throughout childhood and adolescence. Based on the stage of brain development, children and adolescents are more likely to act impulsively, misinterpret social cues, have accidents, get into fights and engage in risky behavior.

Children and adolescents are at important periods of development. Youth are vulnerable to taking the wrong step, which is why mentors are important for them. Mentors may not be able to change how fast a child’s brain develops or force a child to make certain decisions, but mentors can share their worldviews, experiences, knowledge, support and advice, as well as provide a positive influence. By introducing youth to new experiences and sharing positive values, mentors can help young people avoid negative behaviors and achieve success. For example:

• • 59 percent of mentored teenagers earn better grades.
  • 27 percent of mentored youth are less likely to begin using alcohol.
  • 52 percent of mentored youth are less likely to skip school.
  • Youth with mentors have increased likelihood of going to college, better attitudes toward school, increased social and emotional development, and improved self-

Based on 55 studies of mentoring programs, there is a benefit of program participation for youth, with at-risk youth being most likely to benefit. A similar study of 46 programs for delinquency (e.g., aggression, drug use and academic achievement) found mentoring for high-risk youth to have a positive effect on delinquency, academic functioning, aggression and drug use.

Taken from “The Value In Mentoring Our Youth” by Arly Nguyen

Published in ‘Social Work License Map’, January 30, 2015

The safety of your child is our highest priority at Clay County PALS.

We seek to make the best possible match between the child and the adult mentor. PALS realizes a meaningful and trustworthy relationship with an adult can be a healthy factor in a child’s life.

Friendship is critical to the growth and development of your child. Before we begin the matching process, we start by thoroughly screening potential mentors.
We follow a similar screening process of the Big Brothers Big Sisters National Standards of Excellence, requiring each volunteer to complete an extensive screening process that includes:

• • Completion of a formal written application
  • Background and reference checks
  • An in-person interview
  • An orientation process outlining the individualized needs, likes and interests of your child.

PALS also provides child safety tips to you and your child through our handbook, and we welcome questions and feedback. Throughout the life of a PALS match, our coordinator and board members are also available for ongoing communication with you, your child, and your child’s mentor.