CREDIBLE MESSENGER INITIATIVE DEFINITION Credible Messenger Mentoring for

CREDIBLE MESSENGER INITIATIVE

DEFINITION Credible Messenger Mentoring for youth in the juvenile justice system is a transformative process through which individuals from similar backgrounds, including men and women who were themselves justice-involved, engage youth in structured and intentional relationships that help them change their attitudes, beliefs and actions.

7. 2 B. PHILOSOPHY Benefits for Community Enhanced community capacity Restorative Justice Benefits for Mentors Professional Development Employability Personal growth Benefits for Youth & Families Effectively meet needs Improved life outcomes Prepared to succeed

PARTNERSHIPS Listen to Youth & Families Identify Community Leaders Agency & Community Collaboration

WHO CREDIBLE MESSENGERS MENTOR Credible Messengers are needed for youth who fit the following profile: § Involved in the justice system § Disconnected from positive supports § Beyond the reach of traditional social services § Resistant to Change § Crew-involved § High-risk § Involved in violence § In need of additional support

Who is a CREDIBLE MESSENGER? Credible Messengers are able to connect with the atrisk population of youth because they: § Come from the same communities § Have successfully transformed from their experience § Demonstrate integrity and transformation § Are skilled, trained or interested in mentoring young people from diverse backgrounds § May have been involved in the justice system

SCREENING AND SELECTION Hiring Credible Messengers requires evaluating an individual's experience, skills and strengths. Selection may include: § Background check § Recommendations from community insiders § Evidence of impact on young people § Ability to work in teams and a teachable spirit § Evidence of positive and pro-social peers and mentors § Current and past involvement with at-risk or justice involved youth § Capacity to serve diverse population

TRAINING Credible Messengers will go through pre-service training in the following areas: § Basics of Mentoring § Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions § Restorative Justice & Peacemaking Circles § Group Facilitation & Covenant of Peace Curriculum § Boundaries, Professionalism & Self Care § Crisis Intervention § Cultural Competency

PERFORMANCE MEASURES § Youth and mentor outcomes will be tracked throughout the initiative. Youth outcomes will be entered into DYRS database. Outcomes include: Youth & Parent Outcomes Mentor Outcomes Education-related goals Training hours/completions Work-related milestones Retention Youth Engagement with services Promotion Individual Success Plan goals Engagement with mentees Rearrests Certifications

PROGRAM OVERVIEW Transformative Mentors Hired to Work with Youth Family Engagement Specialists Hired to Work with Families Restorative Justice/Covenant of Peace Curriculum Economic and educational opportunities and capacity building for community organizations § Safe Spaces in Neighborhoods with Positive Youth Development Activities § §

TIMELINES Grant making Activity Date RFP Launch Date May 1 Pre-Proposal Conferences May 10 & May 17 Notice of Intent to Apply (NOIA) May 26 Request for Proposal Due Date Friday, June 9 (by 11: 59 pm) Proposal Review Period June 9 - June 30 (tentatively) Interviews if Applicable June 30 – July 15 (tentatively) Announcement of Awards Week of July 28 (tentatively) Release of Grant Awards Week of September 25 (tentatively)

QUESTIONS & COMMENTS