It is the policy of the C. J. Smith Mentoring Program that each participant must meet the defined eligibility criteria. Mentoring staff should be knowledgeable of and understand all the eligibility criteria required for mentor and mentee participation in the program.
Extenuating circumstances may be reviewed at the discretion of the program coordinator and acceptance may then be allowed with the written approval of the executive director and representative of the board of directors when all eligibility requirements are not clearly met. These instances are expected to be rare.
Mentor Eligibility Requirements:
• Be at least 21 years of age
• Reside in the Washington metropolitan area
• Be willing to adhere to all C. J. Smith Mentoring Program policies and procedures
• Agree to a one-year commitment to the program
• Commit to spending a minimum of eight hours a month with the mentee
• Be willing to communicate with the mentee weekly
• Complete the screening procedure
• Agree to attend mentor training as required
• Be willing to communicate regularly with the program coordinator and submit monthly meeting and activity information
• Have access to an automobile or reliable transportation
• Have a current driver’s license, auto insurance, and good driving record
• Have a clean criminal history
• Have never been accused, arrested, charged, or convicted of child abuse or molestation
• Not be a convicted felon. If the applicant has been convicted of a felony, then they may be considered only after a period of seven years with demonstrated good behavior and an appropriate and corrective attitude regarding past behaviors.
• Not be a user of illicit drugs
• Not using alcohol or controlled substances in an excessive or inappropriate manner