Provides an explanation and outline of policy and procedures governing general organizational operations, human resources, and fiscal practices that can be applied by administrators of youth mentoring programs. Program administrators get practical information on: (1) organizational background, including descriptions of the major programmatic goals of the mentoring program, the target audience, the organizational structure, and job duties as well as such supporting documents as agency bylaws, memorandums of understanding with program partners, and evaluation tools; and (2) program policies and procedures, including those dealing with recruitment, eligibility, screening, training, matching, match support and supervision, volunteer recognition, record-keeping, confidentiality, transportation, overnight visits and out-of-town travel, mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect, use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and firearms, unacceptable behavior, and closure and evaluation. Written polices and procedures contribute to the long-term stability and safety of mentoring programs by providing documentation of the organization’s vision and operating principles, giving staff clear guidelines on how to administer the program, addressing risk management issues, ensuring consistent operations, and serving as a baseline for continuous improvement as well as a blueprint for program expansion and replication.
