Grantees

Grantee Survey
Fall 2008
Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program
Draft 02/09/2007

Instructions
Most of the questions in the survey are about program operations as they relate to your mentoring efforts
targeted toward children of prisoners and your mentoring efforts in general (when applicable). You
should be able to answer the questions easily. However, if there are survey items that you are unable to
answer, you may need to consult with others in your organization who are in a better position to respond
to those questions.
When answering questions, unless you are directed otherwise, select the one answer that best describes
your program.
Please complete all questions, unless you are directed otherwise. When this happens, you will see an
arrow with a note that tells you what question to answer, like this:

1 Yes  Continue to question 2.
2 No  Skip to question 3.
Throughout the questionnaire you will see this symbol
when there are special instructions or
information about the questions we wish to convey to you. Please read these instructions carefully.
If you have any questions about how to complete the survey, please call the following toll-free number:
XXXXXX. If necessary, please leave your name and telephone number and someone from the study
team will call you back as soon.

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of
information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this
information collection is XXXX-XXXX.
The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average XX minutes per response,
including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete
and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s)
or suggestions for improving this form, please write to: XXXX.
If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, write directly to:
XXXXX.
Abt Associates Inc.

Grantee Survey—Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program

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I. INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR ORGANIZATION
The following questions ask general information about your organization, including background
information about your organization and services your organization provides.

Contact Information
To begin we would like to confirm your contact information.
CURRENT CONTACT INFORMATION ON FILE:

*Note – Abt will complete this based on FYSB records
re: participating grantees

CORRECTIONS / UPDATES? (Please fill in below)
Respondent name:
Organization name:
Name of mentoring program:
Mailing address:
Telephone number:
Fax number: ___________________________________________________
E-mail address:

Background Information
1.

Describe your organization. Is it… (Check all that apply.)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

2.

A public social service agency (e.g., child & family services)?
Which one?____________________________________________________
A non-profit/community-based organization?
An affiliate or chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA)?
A faith-based organization?
A prisoner/offender services organization?
A correctional facility (i.e., detention centers housing prisoners, including jails and/or
prisons)?
Another criminal justice agency (e.g., family court, probation or parole office)?
Local educational agency or school?
Other? ____________________________________________________________

Please describe any of the organizations with which you are currently partnering or collaborating with to
run your mentoring program serving children of prisoners. Are you partnering with … (Check all that
apply.)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Abt Associates Inc.

Our organization is not partnering with other organizations.  Continue to question 3.
Social service agency(ies) (e.g., child & family services)?
Which ones?____________________________________________________
Non-profit/community based organization(s)?
An affiliate or chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA)?
Faith-based organization(s)?
Prisoner/offender services organization(s)?
Correctional facility(ies) (i.e., detention centers housing prisoners, including jails and/or
prisons)?
Other criminal justice agency(ies) (e.g., family court, probation or parole office)?
Local educational agency(ies) or school(s)?
Other? ____________________________________________________________
Grantee Survey—Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program

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3.

Does your organization serve only children of prisoners or does it also serve other youth?
1
2

4.

Does your organization run any other programs for youth (including children of prisoners) that are
separate and distinct from your mentoring children of prisoners program funded by the Family & Youth
Services Bureau?
1
2

5.

Our program only serves children of prisoners.
Our program also serves other children.

Yes  Continue to question 5.
No  Skip to question 6.

What are the other activities/programs for at-risk youth (including children of prisoners) that are distinct
from your mentoring program serving children of prisoners? (Check all that apply.)
1
2
3
4
5
6

After-school programs, such as homework support, music, art, computer classes, etc…
Tutoring
Counseling
Organization refers at-risk youth to other social service agencies
Other mentoring program(s)
Other: ______________________________________________________________

Organization’s Experience in Providing Services to Prisoners
6.

Does your organization run any programs for prisoners or ex-prisoners other than your mentoring
program serving children of prisoners?
1
2

7.

What are the other programs or services provided for prisoners and/or ex-prisoners? (Check all that
apply.)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

8.

Yes  Continue to question 7.
No  Skip to Section II.

Parenting classes
Marriage counseling
Other counseling (substance abuse counseling)
Job training and/or other job placement assistance
Education services, such as assistance obtaining GED
Legal/advocacy services (i.e., child custody, family visitation, parental rights, etc.)
General re-entry services for prisoners preparing to return to society and/or recently
released prisoners (e.g., assistance obtaining housing, making linkages with services in the
community, etc.)
Other: ______________________________________________________________

How many years has your organization been providing these services for prisoners/ex-prisoners?
_____ Number of years of experience

9.

Which of the following best describes your programs for prisoners/ex-prisoners? (Check one response.)
1
2
3

Abt Associates Inc.

Providing services to prisoners is the primary focus of our organization.
Providing services to prisoners is one of many services that we offer.
Other: _____________________________________________________________

Grantee Survey—Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program

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II. INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR MENTORING PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN OF
PRISONERS
The following questions are about your program operations as they relate to your mentoring efforts and
should be answered by the lead mentoring program staff.
Please complete the following questions in terms of your mentoring efforts specifically targeted towards
children of prisoners.
We know that some of you provide other mentoring services (in addition to mentoring children of
prisoners) but here we are interested only in the mentoring your organization provides in your mentoring
program serving children of prisoners. If you work with other children, you will be asked about this
later.

Organization’s Experience in Mentoring Children of Prisoners
10.

For how many years has your organization been running a mentoring program specifically serving
children of prisoners?
_____ Number of years of experience

11.

Which of the following best describes how your mentoring program serving children of prisoners fits into
your general program operations at your organization? (Check one response.)
1
2
3
4

12.

Mentoring children of prisoners is the only program we operate.
Mentoring children of prisoners is one of many services that we offer youth but of all our
services it is our primary focus.
Mentoring children of prisoners is one of many services that we offer youth but it is not our
primary focus.
Other: _____________________________________________________________

How many new mentor/mentee matches were made in your mentoring program serving children of
prisoners last year (between September 1st, 2007 and August 31st, 2008).1?
_____ Number of matches

13.

How many mentor/mentee matches are currently active in your mentoring program serving children of
prisoners (by active we mean that youth are meeting regularly with their mentors; this may include
matches that were made previously to last year)?
_____ Number of matches

1

The exact timing has yet to be determined. Currently, this is assuming the time period will cover September 2007 to August
2008 if the questionnaire is administered in Fall 2008 per our current timeline. Once we know the timing we will right in
the dates.

Abt Associates Inc.

Grantee Survey—Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program

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Reminder: Answer the following questions ONLY in terms of the mentoring your organization provides for youth
in your mentoring program that serves children of prisoners.

Staffing for Your Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program
14.

How many paid staff people work on your organization’s mentoring program serving children of
prisoners? Please provide an answer in terms of full-time equivalents (FTEs) (i.e., 1 full-time person = 1
FTE; 1 full-time person and 1 half-time person = 1.5 FTEs; etc.)?.
_____

15.

Does your program employ case managers specifically for your mentoring children of prisoners program?
(By case manager we are referring to someone who provides ongoing support to youth and their
mentors.)
1
2

16.

Number of FTEs

Yes  Continue to question 15.
No  Skip to question 17.

How many employees serve as case managers? Please provide an answer in terms of full-time
equivalents (FTEs) (i.e., 1 full-time person = 1 FTE; 1 full-time person and 1 half-time person = 1.5
FTEs; etc.).
_____ Number of FTEs

17.

How many mentor/mentee matches are these case managers typically responsible for?
_____ Number of matches

Identifying Mentored Youth (Mentees)
18.

What are the primary sources of referrals for mentees in your mentoring program serving children of
prisoners? (Check the top 3 most common sources.)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Abt Associates Inc.

Schools
Community-based organizations
Faith-based organizations
Social service agencies
Youths’ incarcerated parents/parents on parole/probation
Youths’ caregivers (parents that are not incarcerated or on parole/probation)
Correctional facility(ies) (i.e., detention centers housing prisoners, including jails and/or
prisons)?
Other criminal justice agency(ies) (e.g., family court, probation or parole office)?
Other : __________________________________________________________

Grantee Survey—Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program

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Reminder: Answer the following questions ONLY in terms of the mentoring your organization provides for youth
in your mentoring program that serves children of prisoners.

Mentee Demographics
19.

How many mentees in your mentoring program serving children of prisoners were in the following age
categories last year (between September 1st 2006 and August 30th, 2007)?
1

Our program does not collect these data  Skip to question 20.

Number of
mentees
________
________
________
________
________
________
________
20.

What’s the racial/ethnic composition of mentees in your mentoring children of prisoners program?
1
Number of
mentees
________
________
________
________
________
________
________
________

21.

Aged 4-6
Aged 7-8
Aged 9-10
Aged 11-12
Aged 13-14
Aged 15-16
Total

Our program does not collect these data  Skip to question 21.

Race/Ethnicity
American Indian or Alaska Native
Asian
Black or African American
Hispanic or Latino
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
White
Other: ___________________________________________________
Total

How many mentees in your mentoring program that serves children of prisoners are not native English
speakers?
1

Our program does not collect these data  Skip to question 22.

________ Number of mentees not native English speakers
22.

How many mentees in your mentoring program that serves children of prisoners are female?
________ Number of female mentees

Abt Associates Inc.

Grantee Survey—Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program

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Reminder: Answer the following questions ONLY in terms of the mentoring your organization provides for youth
in your mentoring program that serves children of prisoners.
23.

What are the most common risk factors experienced by mentees in your mentoring for children of
prisoners program (other than that their parents are incarcerated or are on probation/parole)? (Check the
top 3 most common risk factors only.)
1
2
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12
13
14

Parents abuse drugs/alcohol.
Child uses drugs/alcohol.
Child lives in extreme poverty.
Child has been neglected/abused.
Child has a learning disability/is developmentally delayed.
Child has a mental illness.
Child lacks social support.
Child gets into frequent fights with peers.
Child has few/no positive adult role models.
Child has self-esteem problems.
Child is failing in school.
Child is in a gang.
Child has other behavioral problems.
Other:

Parental/Caregiver Involvement
24.

How does your program work with families of children in your mentoring program that serves children of
prisoners? This question refers to non-incarcerated parents/caregivers and siblings of youth in the
program. (Check all that apply.)
1
Our program does not work with the families of children in our mentoring program that
serves children of prisoners.
2
Parents/guardians only provide permission for mentees to participate in the program.
3
Parents/guardians meet with potential mentors before matches are made.
4
Parents/guardians play an active role in selecting particular mentors for their children.
5
Parents/guardians meet regularly with their children’s mentors.
6
Parents/guardians and/or siblings participate in group-activities with mentors, other youth in
the program, and other parents.
7
Mentors meet regularly with siblings of youth in your mentoring program that serves
children of prisoners.
8
If necessary, the program provides parents/guardians with counseling.
9
If necessary, the program provides siblings with counseling.
10
Other: ___________________________________________________________________

25.

How does your program keep incarcerated parents or parents on probation/parole of children in your
children of prisoners mentoring program informed of the mentoring relationship? (Check all that apply.)
1
Our program does not correspond with incarcerated parents/previously incarcerated parents.
2
Program staff approach incarcerated parents/previously incarcerated parents to get mentee
referrals for the program.
3
Program staff periodically check-in with incarcerated parents/previously incarcerated
parents to keep them informed of the mentoring relationship.
4
Other: ___________________________________________________________________

Abt Associates Inc.

Grantee Survey—Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program

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Reminder: Answer the following questions ONLY in terms of the mentoring your organization provides for youth
in your mentoring program that serves children of prisoners.

Recruiting Mentors
26.

How does your mentoring program that serves children of prisoners recruit mentors? (Check the 3 most
common methods only.)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

27.

Advertising (ads in local newspapers, public service announcements on local radio/tv
stations, website)
By distributing flyers and brochures around the community
Through partnerships with local businesses
Through partnerships with local faith-based organizations
Through partnerships with local universities/colleges
Through referrals from intermediary organizations (such as mentoring organizations,
volunteer centers or statewide recruitment campaigns)
Through referrals from Board members
Through referrals from mentors already involved in the program
Through community events
Other: ________________________________________________________________

Who are the mentors in your mentoring program that serves children of prisoners? (Check the 2 most
common types of mentors only.)
1
Teachers
2
Members of faith-based organizations (e.g., clergy)
3
Employees of specific businesses or agencies
4
Retirees
5
General adult community members
6
College students
7
Other adults who were “children of prisoners”
8
Other: __________________________________________________________________

Pre-Match Activities
28.

In your mentoring program that serves children of prisoners, what kinds of screening must volunteers go
through before they are matched with youth? (Check all that apply.)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

29.

30.

Written application process
Personal interview
Background check (general)
Background check—criminal records check
Background check—national sex offender registry check
Background check—child and domestic abuse record checks
Reference check
DMV check
Other: __________________________________________________________________

Are mentors in your mentoring program that serves children of prisoners required to participate in prematch training/orientation?
1
Yes  Continue to question 30.
2
No  Skip to question 31.
If yes, what does that pre-match training/orientation for mentors include? (Check all that apply.)

Abt Associates Inc.

Grantee Survey—Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program

8

Reminder: Answer the following questions ONLY in terms of the mentoring your organization provides for youth
in your mentoring program that serves children of prisoners.
1
2

Opportunity to meet with mentees interested in having a mentor.
Introduction to the program (discussion of requirements for participation and program
logistics).
Cross-cultural sensitivity training.
Training in how to identify and address situations in which the mentee has been neglected or
abused.
Training in encouraging mentees to plan for the future and to set long-term goals.
Specific training on how to work with children of prisoners (e.g., how to talk to them about
their circumstances, how to connect with the child’s parents who are incarcerated or on
probation/parole) and help them cope with their circumstances.
Training in other specific skills. Please list: _____________________________________
_____________________________________

3
4
5
6
7

31.

In your mentoring program that serves children of prisoners approximately how many weeks, on average,
does it take to get a volunteer screened and trained and matched with a mentee?
_____ Number of weeks

32.

Are mentees in your mentoring program that serves children of prisoners provided with any pre-match
orientation/training?
1
2

33.

If yes, what kind of pre-match orientation/training is provided to mentees? (Check all that apply.)
1
2
3
4

34.

Yes  Continue to question 33.
No  Skip to question 34.

Introduction to the program (discussion of requirements for participation and program
logistics)
Training in setting boundaries/resisting inappropriate advances from adults
Training in and help with setting goals for participation in the Mentoring Children of
Prisoners program
Other: ___________________________________________________________________

How does your organization match mentees and mentors in your mentoring program that serves children
of prisoners? (Check all that apply.)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Abt Associates Inc.

Match mentees with mentors as soon as a mentor becomes available
Match “highest risk” mentees first
Aim to make same race matches
Aim to make same gender matches
Make matches based on personality-based assessment of what would constitute a good fit
(survey of interests, etc.)
Mentees meet a pool of eligible mentors and can choose
Mentors meet a pool of eligible mentees and can choose
Match based on mentee preference
Match based on mentor preference
Other: ____________________________________________________________________

Grantee Survey—Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program

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Reminder: Answer the following questions ONLY in terms of the mentoring your organization provides for youth
in your mentoring program that serves children of prisoners.

Mentor/Mentee Matches
35.

Consider the length of mentor/mentee relationships in your mentoring program that served children of
prisoners between September 1st, 2007 and August 30th, 20082.
(For the following question, please provide a number for each category. When you determine the length
of a mentoring relationship, consider that relationship to have begun once mentees and mentors were
matched, even if they never met in person. Please consider a relationship to have ended on the last day
that the match met. For example, if Jane Mentor and John Mentee were matched on 9/1/06 and their last
meeting was 3/1/07, their relationship would have lasted 6 months and you would indicate 6 to 9 months
below. If matches lasted exactly 6 months indicate 6 to 9 months. If matches lasted 9 months indicate 9
to 12 months.)
By August 30th, 2008, how many matches will have lasted each of the following time periods:
1
Number of
matches

Our program does not collect these data  Skip to question 36.

Duration

______

Less than 3 months

______

3 to 6 months

______

6 to 9 months

______

9 to 12 months

______

More than 12 months

______

Total

Mentee/Mentor Activities
36.

What is the minimum commitment required for mentees and mentors in your mentoring program that
serves children of prisoners? (Please answer all three of the following unless there is no specific minimum
contact required.)
1

There is no specific minimum contact required.  Skip to question 37.

36a. _____ Number of contacts per week
36b. _____ Number of hours per contact
36c. _____ Number of months
37.

2

What is the most common ratio for mentees and mentors in your mentoring program that serves children
of prisoners? (Check one response.)
1
One mentor to one mentee
2
One mentor to several mentees
3
One mentee to several mentors

Will fill in month and year when we know the timing of the questionnaire.

Abt Associates Inc.

Grantee Survey—Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program

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Reminder: Answer the following questions ONLY in terms of the mentoring your organization provides for youth
in your mentoring program that serves children of prisoners.
4
38.

Several mentors to several mentees

In what kinds of activities do mentors and mentees typically engage in in your mentoring children of
prisoners program? (Check all that apply.)
1
Mentors and mentees spend time talking and “hanging out” together.
2
Mentors and mentees work on mentees’ homework/academic skills.
3
Mentors and mentees engage in community service activities.
4
Mentors and mentees attend church services together.
5
Mentors and mentees participate in group-activities sponsored by your organization (trips to
local museums, libraries, ballgames, colleges, etc.)
6
Mentors and mentees engage in recreational activities (e.g., play sports together)
7
Mentors and mentees work on arts and/or crafts together
8
Mentors meet with mentees’ families (not including the parent who is incarcerated or on
probation/parole).
9
Mentors meet with mentees’ incarcerated parent or parent who is on parole/probation
10
When appropriate, mentors and mentees visit the mentees’ parent who is incarcerated
11
When appropriate, mentors and mentees talk about the child’s circumstances (that his/her
parent is incarcerated or on probation/parole) and mentors provide advice on how to cope
with their circumstances.
12
Other: ____________________________________________________________________

On-going Support and Training
39.

What kinds of ongoing support for mentors in your mentoring program that serves children of prisoners
does your organization provide? (Check all that apply.)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

40.

Are mentors in your mentoring program that serves children of prisoners required to report to program
staff about their interactions with their mentees?
1
2

41.

Mentor/mentee meetings are supervised by program staff.
Mentors have access to social workers who are involved in the program and who can
answer questions/address concerns.
The organization hosts get-togethers where mentors can meet and discuss strategies for
working effectively with mentees.
The organization sponsors listservs, mentoring chat rooms, or other on-line forums for
mentors to support each other.
Mentors are required to participate in on-going trainings on a variety of issues.
Mentors have the opportunity to participate in on-going trainings on a variety of issues.
Other: ____________________________________________________________________
None, our organization focuses on providing support before the match is made and/or after
mentoring relationships end.

Yes  Continue to question 41.
No  Skip to question 42.

If yes, how do they report on their activities? (Check all that apply.)
1

Abt Associates Inc.

Program staff contact mentors regularly to find out how the mentoring relationship is going
(via email, phone, etc.)
Grantee Survey—Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program

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Reminder: Answer the following questions ONLY in terms of the mentoring your organization provides for youth
in your mentoring program that serves children of prisoners.
2
3
4
5
6

Abt Associates Inc.

Mentors are required to provide program staff with detailed reports of each of their
meetings with mentees, describing activities, etc.
Mentors are required to check-in with program staff after every meeting, but they are not
required to provide detailed information.
Mentors are required to check-in with program staff periodically but not after every
mentoring session.
Mentors keep formal logs of contacts and times they meet with their mentees.
Other: ____________________________________________________________________

Grantee Survey—Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program

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The remainder of the questions in this section should be answered in terms of children of prisoners
only.
We know that some of you serve both children of prisoners and other youth in the same mentoring
program but here we are interested only in children of prisoners.

Parent Information
42.

Please describe the criminal status of the parents and/or caregivers for children in your mentoring
program that serves children of prisoners. (Check one response per row.)
1

Our program does not collect these data  Skip to question 43.
None of the
youth.

Some of the
youth.

Most youth.

All youth.

Unknown.

Father is currently incarcerated or on
probation/parole?

1

2

3

4

5

Mother is currently incarcerated or on
probation/parole?

1

2

3

4

5

Both mother and father are currently
incarcerated or on probation/parole?

1

2

3

4

5

Other: __________________________

1

2

3

4

5

43.

Please describe the offenses committed by parents and/or caregivers that led to their current incarceration
for children in your mentoring program that serves children of prisoners?3 (Check one response per row.)
1

Our program does not collect these data  Skip to question 44.
None of the
youth.

Some of the
youth.

Most youth.

All youth.

Unknown.

Violent offense (homicide, sexual assault,
robbery, assault, other violent)

1

2

3

4

5

Property offense (burglary, larceny, motor
vehicle theft, fraud, stolen property, other
property)

1

2

3

4

5

Drug offense (possession, trafficking, other
drug)

1

2

3

4

5

Public-order offense (weapons, harassment,
disorderly conduct, other public order)

1

2

3

4

5

Other: ______________________________

1

2

3

4

5

3

These categories come from a Bureau of Justice Statistics report – “Incarcerated Parents and their Children” (Aug, 2000).

Abt Associates Inc.

Grantee Survey—Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program

13

Reminder: Answer the following questions ONLY in terms of children of prisoners in your mentoring program.
44.

Please describe the length of time since the parents’ and/or caregivers’ incarceration for children in your
mentoring children of prisoners program?4 (Check one response per row.)
1

Our program does not collect these data  Skip to question 45.
None of the
youth.

Some of the
youth.

Most youth.

All youth.

Incarcerated within the past year

1

2

3

4

Incarcerated within the past 1 to 2 years

1

2

3

4

Incarcerated within the past 2+ years

1

2

3

4

Other: ______________________________________

1

2

3

4

45.

How many children in your mentoring program that serves children of prisoners were living with the
parent/caregiver at the time of the parent’s admission into prison?
1

Our program does not collect these data  Skip to question 46.

________
46.

Number of mentees

How many children in your mentoring program that serves children of prisoners live with the following
individuals? 5
1

Our program does not collect these data  Skip to question 47.

Number of
mentees
________
________
________
________
________
________
________
47.

Do youth in your mentoring program that serves children of prisoners know that his/her parent(s) is
incarcerated or on probation/parole?
1
1
2
3
4

48.

5

Our program does not collect these data  Skip to question 49.
None of the youth know about his/her parent(s) criminal justice status. Skip to question 47.
Some of the youth know about his/her parent(s) criminal justice status.
Most of the youth know about his/her parent(s) criminal justice status.
All of the youth know about his/her parent(s) criminal justice status.

Of those children who know that his/her parent(s) is incarcerated or is on probation/parole, what percent
have contact with that parent?
1

4

Other parent/caregiver (who is not incarcerated or on probation/parole)
Grandparent
Other relative
Foster parent
Parent/caregiver who is on probation/parole
Other: __________________________________________________________
Total

Our program does not collect these data  Skip to question 49.

These categories come from a Bureau of Justice Statistics report – “Incarcerated Parents and their Children” (Aug, 2000).
These categories come from a Bureau of Justice Statistics report – “Incarcerated Parents and their Children” (Aug, 2000).

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Reminder: Answer the following questions ONLY in terms of children of prisoners in your mentoring program.
1
2
3
4
49.

None of the youth have contact with his/her parent(s).
Some of the youth have contact with his/her parent(s).
Most of the youth have contact with his/her parent(s).
All of the youth have contact with his/her parent(s).

Do you provide mentoring to other children who are not children of prisoners?
1
2

Abt Associates Inc.

Yes.  Continue to question 50.
No.  Skip to end. Thank you, you have completed the questionnaire.

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III. INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR OTHER MENTORING PROGRAM(S)

This section asks questions about your other mentoring efforts (those programs in which you
provide mentoring to other children who are not children of prisoners and how your other
mentoring programs differ from or are similar to the mentoring you provide to children of
prisoners.
50.

For how many years has your organization been running mentoring program(s) for other youth (not youth
in your mentoring children of prisoners program)?
_____ Number of years of experience

51.

How many mentor/mentee matches were made in your other mentoring program(s) last year6 (Do not
include the matches that are for children of prisoners as part of this answer)? (Here, we define a “match
being made” as a mentor and mentee having been paired. Note: if a mentor has more than two mentees
this counts as two matches. It is possible that the number of matches made does not equal the number of
mentees served.)
_____ Number of matches

52.

Is case management (match supervision) in your other mentoring program(s) different than case
management in your mentoring program for children of prisoners? (Check all that apply.)
1
2
3
4
5
6

53.

Are program goals for your other mentoring program(s) different than the program goals for your
mentoring children of prisoners program? (Check all that apply.)
1
2
3
4
5
6

6

Yes, the average caseworker caseload of youth is smaller in our other mentoring
program(s).
Yes, the average caseworker caseload of youth is larger in our other mentoring program(s).
Yes, mentors in our mentoring program for children of prisoners require mentors to checkin more often than in our other mentoring program(s).
Yes, case managers provide more intensive on-site supervision for our mentoring children
of prisoners program than our other mentoring program(s).
Other: ____________________________________________________________________
No, case management in our other mentoring program(s) is the same as case management in
our mentoring children of prisoners program.

Yes, we are more focused on academics (working with mentees on homework, basic skills,
etc.) in our mentoring program for children of prisoners.
Yes, we are more focused on goals that mentees establish for themselves in our mentoring
program for children of prisoners.
Yes, we are more focused on building mentees self-confidence/self-esteem in our mentoring
program for children of prisoners.
Yes, we are more focused on preventing mentee involvement in violent and/or criminal
activity in our mentoring program for children of prisoners.
Yes, we are more focused on preventing mentee involvement with drugs/drug abuse in our
mentoring program for children of prisoners.
Yes, other: ________________________________________________________________

The exact timing has yet to be determined. Currently, this is assuming the time period will cover May 2006 to April 2007 if
the questionnaire is administered in May 2007 per our current timeline.

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7

54.

No, the goals in our other mentoring program(s) are the same as those for our mentoring
children of prisoners program.

What are the primary sources of referrals for mentees in your other mentoring program(s) (not your
mentoring program for children of prisoners)? (Check the top 3 most common sources.)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Through schools
Community-based organizations
Faith-based organizations
Public social service agencies
Through youths’ incarcerated parents/parents on parole/probation
Through youths’ caregivers (parents that are not incarcerated or on parole/probation)
Correctional facility(ies) (i.e., detention centers housing prisoners, including jails and/or
prisons)?
Other criminal justice agency(ies) (e.g., family court, probation or parole office)?
Other : __________________________________________________________

8
9
55.

Are the ages of youth in in your other mentoring program(s) than the ages of youth in your mentoring
children of prisoners program?
1

Yes, the youth are a lot younger (2-3 years younger on average) in our other mentoring
program(s).
Yes, the youth are a little younger (0-1 years younger on average) in our other mentoring
program(s).
Yes, the youth are a little older (0-1 years older on average) in our other mentoring
program(s).
Yes, the youth are a lot older (2-3 years older on average) in our other mentoring
program(s).
No, the youth are the same age in our other mentoring program(s).

2
3
4
5
56.

Who are the mentors in your other mentoring program(s) (not your mentoring program for children of
prisoners)? (Check the top 2 most common types of mentors only.)
1
Teachers
2
Members of faith-based organizations (e.g., clergy)
3
Employees of specific businesses or agencies
4
Retirees
5
General adult community members
6
College students
7
Other adults who were “children of prisoners”
8
Other

57.

In your other mentoring program(s) (not your mentoring program for children of prisoners) how many
weeks, on average, does it take to get a volunteer screened and trained and matched with a mentee?
_____ Number of weeks

58.

What is the minimum commitment required for mentees and mentors in your other mentoring program(s)
(not your mentoring program for children of prisoners)? (Please answer all three of the following unless
there is no specific minimum contact required.)
1

There is no specific minimum contact required.  Skip to end. Thank you, you have
completed the questionnaire..

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38a. _____ Number of contacts per week
38b. _____ Number of hours per contact

38c. _____ Number of months

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Please return this survey, in the enclosed pre-paid envelope, to:

Christina Dyous
Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program
Spring Grantee Survey
c/o Abt Associates Inc.
55 Wheeler St.
Cambridge, MA 02138

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN THIS SURVEY!

Abt Associates Inc.

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