The Alternative Directions Children of Incarcerated Parents (CHIP) Mentoring Program matches a child of an incarcerated individual with a volunteer mentor from the community for one year. According to the Child Welfare League of America, children whose parents are in prison are at risk for gang affiliation, low academic achievement, teen pregnancy, and drug use/abuse. They are also more likely to become incarcerated later in life.
Good mentors can help children improve social and cognitive skills by building trust and strengthening personal relationships. Mentors can be role models, confidants, and emotionally supportive advocates. The primary purpose of the program is to provide a time-limited mentoring relationship that will motivate and support the child in through positive behavior and respectful community living. Visit us at chipmentoring.org
