Mentors and mentees should be matched based on their personal preferences.
Characteristics, common interests and preferences of prospective mentors and mentees should be identified.
Individual mentors and mentees could be matched based on the following:
Mentors and mentees should be asked their preferences in these categories.
Other key characteristics to consider may include:
Programs that matched mentors and mentees based on their needs and preferences were implemented with the following target groups: young people at-risk of mental illness and delinquent behaviours
In the Mentoring Program for At-Risk Youth, mentees are matched with mentors according to gender, ethnicity, age, geographical location, common interests and preferences in these categories. Matches can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 years.
Not all characteristics are of equal importance. It is generally recognised that matching based on common interests and gender is more significant than ethnicity or culture. Additionally, geographical location can significantly affect the length of matches. For example, if a mentee moves schools, they may need to find a new mentor or exit the program.
If mentees are not able to be matched immediately, and are placed on a waiting list, interim activities should take place. For example, one monthly group activity with other mentees who are waiting to be matched.
25 Nov 2022
We acknowledge Aboriginal people as the First Nations Peoples of NSW and pay our respects to Elders past, present, and future.
Informed by lessons of the past, Department of Communities and Justice is improving how we work with Aboriginal people and communities. We listen and learn from the knowledge, strength and resilience of Stolen Generations Survivors, Aboriginal Elders and Aboriginal communities.
You can access our apology to the Stolen Generations.