Mentoring Programs For Youth at Risk

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a nonprofit organization that matches youth (Littles) with adult mentors (Bigs). We aren’t in the practice of labeling kids as “at risk” or “troubled,” but our research tells us that that’s how people search online. Maybe you’re a parent looking for a complimentary program for a child that you’re worried about. Or perhaps you’re a teacher or a social worker looking for mentoring resources to recommend to families of kids who get into a lot of trouble. Or, maybe you’re an adult who was once labeled “troubled” or “at risk” and you’re looking for volunteer opportunities to mentor youth.

Complimentary Mentoring Programs for Kids

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County is a community-based program where kids between the ages of 5 and 18 are matched with qualified adults for one-on-one and group mentoring. Every child who comes through the BBBS program has their own unique story and reason for seeking a mentor.

Many of the children in our programs come from stable homes with hard-working parents who just want another non-relative adult to serve as a positive role model for their kids. There are also some kids in the BBBS programs who are at risk of dropping out of school, and some who have been in the juvenile justice system.

Is BBBS of Broward County considered an at risk youth non-profit organization?

BBBS is not a program that specifically identifies children as “troubled youth” or “at-risk.” In fact, BBBS prefers not to label kids. Children of all backgrounds, races, socioeconomic situations, and otherwise are welcome to sign up for mentors through BBBS, although we tend to recruit more Littles from single-parent households and disadvantaged communities. These are kids who could really benefit from adult mentors. And lots of studies show that traditional one-to-one matching is the best fit to empower youth.

That said, the BBBS mentoring programs work great in conjunction with formal programs and other nonprofits for at-risk youth that lack a mentorship component. Examples of those are in-school drop-out prevention programs, programs for kids who have incarcerated parents, and children who have been diagnosed with or are at risk for behavioral health issues.

Where can I find programs for troubled teens and at risk youth near me?

Your program specialist can help direct you to specific agencies that meet your needs, including free resources to Broward County residents. We’ve compiled a list of mental health resources for parents, caregivers, educators and youth, as well as a list of resources for families.

Impact of BBBS on Juvenile Justice

BBBS does not offer a specific community or on-site-based program for troubled youth — our programs are for all youth — but throughout the years, the program has impacted youth and the juvenile justice system.

According to BBBS of America, Littles in the BBBS programs are:

• 46% less likely to pick up and use illegal drugs
• 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
• 52% less likely to skip school
• 37% less likely to skip classes
• 33% less likely to get in altercations

In the same national survey, 90% of surveyed Littles said their relationships with their Bigs helped them make better decisions throughout their childhood.

The bottom line: Children who are enrolled in BBBS of Broward County are less likely to turn to drugs and alcohol, they’re more likely to stay in school, and they’re less likely to get into trouble.

Opportunities to Mentor At Risk or Troubled Youth

As a Florida nonprofit organization that offers free programs for youth and teenagers in Broward County, BBBS of Broward relies heavily on our mentor volunteers. Volunteers must pass a background check and go through an interview process, but they do not need to have experience with at risk teens or troubled teenager programs.

How do you become a mentor for troubled youth?

Just ask. BBBS of America is one of the best free, nonprofit mentoring organizations for kids who would benefit from positive adult role models. We are always recruiting adult volunteers, and our team has the education, experience and training to help you manage your mentor-mentee relationship.

If we told you that you could help a child do better in school, avoid using drugs and alcohol, and maybe even keep them out of the juvenile justice system, and all it would cost you is 1 to 2 hours twice a month…are you in?

Apply to be a Big with BBBS of Broward.