Child & Youth Mentorship Program

Why Child & Youth Mentorship?

We developed our Child and Youth Mentorship Program because we’ve observed that traditional counselling sessions can be challenging for children and youth. They may feel bored in an office setting, or they might not see the need for counselling. Additionally, it can be difficult for them to sit and talk openly about their mental health or to connect with counsellors in a conventional way.

We’ve found that children and youth often relate better to mentors who are closer in age and can engage them in a variety of activities that support the development of life skills and emotional awareness. Our program was designed not only to create these meaningful connections but also to make therapy and mental health support more accessible and affordable for children, youth, and their families.

We believe that experiences shape who we are. By fostering strong relationships and creating positive experiences, we aim to help youth build the skills they need to thrive and become active, positive developers of their own futures.

Child Mentorship

Is your child struggling with behavioral issues or finding it difficult to manage big emotions? The transition into first grade or middle school can be particularly challenging and anxiety-provoking for young children. The separation from loving parents, adapting to a new environment, and the long days can be tough. For some children, the school setting presents new social challenges as they navigate classroom dynamics and strive to “fit in” with peers, often in a large group setting. These challenges can be even more pronounced for children who are neurodiverse or have ASD.

Youth Mentorship

The teenage years represent another significant transition, often filled with questions like, “Who am I?” and “What do I want to do with my life?” Adolescence marks the shift from childhood to adulthood, a time when youth are figuring out how to gain independence, build friendships, explore relationships, complete high school, and decide what comes next. This period can be overwhelming and stressful for many teens. How can we support them through these tough experiences and set them up for strong mental health throughout their lives?

What’s the Mentorship Program All About?

Our Mentorship Program pairs each child or youth mentee with a Family Therapist and a Child and Youth Development Mentor. The Family Therapist provides oversight, guidance, and support to the mentors as they work with our young clients. Typically, the Family Therapist and Child and Youth Development Mentor will meet with the family for an initial assessment session to gather the history of the presenting concerns and establish the goals and needs of the child and the family. Throughout the program, the family will have periodic sessions with the Family Therapist to discuss progress, address any questions, and sometimes work on teaching parents new strategies to better support their child.

Our mentors meet regularly with their mentees, either weekly or twice a month, ensuring consistent support. They can relate to the challenges of growing up and provide one-on-one and group mentoring to children and youth from Grades 1 to 12. The children and teens in our program benefit from the strong, empathetic, and caring relationships fostered by our Child and Youth Development Mentors.

Our mentors offer support through both social and recreational activities, creating a well-rounded experience that nurtures growth and development.