Quick answer
Before enrolling, ask how the program screens and trains mentors, matches them with young people, checks in on the relationship, handles safety concerns, and helps a child if a match ends. Also check the basics: schedule, location, transportation, cost, language access, and whether your child feels comfortable. A thoughtful program will welcome your questions and explain its practices in plain language.
Mentoring can take place at school or in the community, with an adult or an older student. It may focus on encouragement, school, hobbies, or building community connections. It is not automatically tutoring, counseling, or child care, so find out what the program actually offers. Ohio’s Department of Education and Workforce suggests families ask about a program’s goals, safety, staff training, cost, transportation, schedule, and how welcome families feel. ([education.ohio.gov](https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Student-Supports/English-Learners/AOEL/Family-Roadmap/Programs-Outside-School?utm_source=openai))
Start with your child’s needs and preferences
Think about what your child hopes to get from the experience. They may want help exploring a hobby, a trusted adult to talk with about goals, or encouragement with school routines. There is no one right reason to seek a mentor. A good fit starts with listening to your child and making sure they understand that they can speak up if something feels uncomfortable.
Consider practical fit, too. Can your family get to the meeting place? Does the meeting time work with school, work, and caregiving schedules? Would your child rather meet in a group, at school, or one-to-one? Does the program offer activities that reflect your child’s interests and community? The right choice is not necessarily the closest or most famous program—it is one that fits your child and your family.
Questions to ask a youth mentoring program
Use these questions in a phone call, email, or visit. You do not have to ask every question at once. Listen for clear answers, not just warm promises.
### 1. What is the program’s purpose?
• What do mentors and young people usually do together?
• Is this one-to-one or group mentoring? Where and how often do they meet?
• What ages and grades can participate?
• Is the focus friendship and encouragement, school support, career exploration, a hobby, or something else?
• How will you know whether the program is meeting its goals?
The word “mentoring” can mean different things. Ask for examples of a typical meeting and what the program does not provide. If you need academic instruction or counseling, ask whether the program offers that service or can suggest where to look. Do not assume a mentor is a substitute for a teacher, therapist, or caregiver.
### 2. How are mentors screened and prepared?
• What steps do you use to screen mentors before they meet young people?
• Do you check references and conduct background checks? What else is part of screening?
• What training do mentors receive before a match begins?
• Do mentors get guidance on boundaries, communication, child safety, and what to do if a concern comes up?
• Who supervises mentors and answers their questions?
A background check can be one part of a safety approach, but it is reasonable to ask what other steps the program takes. MENTOR’s current Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring includes screening, preparation for youth and caregivers, mentor training, relationship support, caregiver engagement, and a planned program exit. ([eepm.mentoring.org](https://eepm.mentoring.org/?utm_source=openai))
### 3. How will you choose and support the match?
• How do you learn about a young person’s interests and preferences?
• Can my child meet or learn about a potential mentor before deciding?
• What happens if my child does not feel the match is right?
• How often will program staff check in with my child, the mentor, and me?
• Who should I contact if I have a concern or cannot reach the mentor?
A match is a relationship, not just an assignment. Ask how the program supports it over time and what staff do when a young person or mentor needs help. MENTOR’s guidance emphasizes ongoing check-ins and support for matches; ask the provider what its own schedule and process look like. ([mentoring.org](https://mentoring.org/resource/building-your-capacity-for-match-support-3-monitoring-and-supporting-the-match/?utm_source=openai))
### 4. What are the safety rules?
• Where do meetings take place, and who else is present or nearby?
• Are there rules about one-to-one time, transportation, phone calls, texting, and social media?
• How do you handle sign-in, pick-up, and changes to an approved pick-up plan?
• How can a child report a problem privately and safely?
• What happens if a child shares something that makes staff concerned about safety?
Ask to see written policies if they are available. Look for boundaries that are explained to both mentors and families, a clear person to contact, and a process for responding to concerns. Pay attention to whether staff answer respectfully rather than treating reasonable safety questions as a nuisance.
### 5. What will participation involve for our family?
• What are the meeting days, times, and expected attendance?
• Is transportation provided, or must a caregiver bring and pick up the child?
• Are there fees, supplies, or other costs? Is financial help available?
• Are snacks or meals provided?
• Can you communicate with me in my preferred language or provide an interpreter?
• What should we do if we need to miss a meeting or pause participation?
Ask about the full routine—not only the mentoring session. In urban communities, travel time, public transit, school dismissal, and caregiver work schedules can make a program hard to reach even when it sounds like a good fit. Be direct about what your family can manage and ask whether the program has options.
### 6. How does the program handle endings?
Mentoring relationships may change when a mentor moves, a young person’s schedule changes, or a program cycle ends. Ask:
• How long does a match usually last, and is that a commitment or an estimate?
• How will you tell my child and me if the match is ending?
• Will staff help the child talk through the change and say goodbye?
• Can we contact the program later if we have questions?
A program cannot promise that every match will last forever. It can explain how it will communicate changes and support a young person through an ending. Planning for closure is part of recognized mentoring practice. ([eepm.mentoring.org](https://eepm.mentoring.org/?utm_source=openai))
Practical steps for comparing programs
1. **Ask your child what matters to them.** Talk about interests, meeting style, and what would help them feel comfortable.
2. **Make a short list.** Ask your child’s school, family liaison, counselor, public library, or community organizations whether they know of local options. Ohio’s family information page recommends these as places to start. ([education.ohio.gov](https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Student-Supports/English-Learners/AOEL/Family-Roadmap/Programs-Outside-School?utm_source=openai))
3. **Contact more than one provider if you can.** Use the questions above and compare the answers—not just the program description.
4. **Visit or attend an information session.** Notice whether the space feels welcoming and whether staff communicate clearly with children and caregivers.
5. **Confirm the details before signing up.** Recheck current eligibility, openings, schedule, transportation, costs, and policies directly with the provider. These details can change.
6. **Check in with your child after starting.** Ask open questions such as, “What do you like about meeting your mentor?” and “Is there anything you want to change?” Tell the program promptly if something worries you.
Ohio-specific context
Ohio families can look at school-based and community-based options. Some after-school programs combine mentoring with homework help, enrichment, meals, or other activities, but services vary by location and provider. Ohio’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers support out-of-school learning opportunities at eligible sites; the state’s information page describes the program and lists current grantee information. Contact a site directly to confirm whether it serves your child’s school or grade and whether it currently has space. ([education.ohio.gov](https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Federal-Programs/Programs/21st-Century/Grantee-Resources?utm_source=openai))
Do not assume that every program called “mentoring” is licensed or regulated in the same way. Ohio law and rules distinguish among types of programs and settings. If the service includes before- or after-school care, ask the provider whether it is licensed or exempt and how you can verify the answer for that specific program. The state’s child-care rules and licensing requirements are available through Ohio’s official laws and regulations pages. ([codes.ohio.gov](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-5104.02?utm_source=openai))
If language is a barrier, ask whether the program can provide information in your preferred language or arrange an interpreter. Ohio’s Department of Education and Workforce specifically encourages families to ask about translation and interpreter support when exploring out-of-school programs. ([education.ohio.gov](https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Student-Supports/English-Learners/AOEL/Family-Roadmap/Programs-Outside-School?utm_source=openai))
Privacy reminder
Share only the information needed to decide whether the program is a fit and complete enrollment. You do not need to share a child’s confidential medical, IEP, custody, or discipline records just to ask questions. If staff say they need sensitive information, ask why, who will see it, how it will be protected, and whether there is another way to discuss the support your child needs. Avoid sending private records through ordinary email or text unless you understand the provider’s secure process.
For online forms or apps, ask what information is collected, how it is used, and whether it is shared. Federal children’s privacy rules apply to certain online services collecting personal information from children under 13; the FTC explains the rules and parent considerations. ([ftc.gov](https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/complying-coppa-frequently-asked-questions?utm_source=openai))
4 FAQs
### What makes a youth mentoring program trustworthy?
Look for clear goals, careful mentor screening, training, written safety boundaries, regular staff check-ins, caregiver communication, and a thoughtful plan for ending a match. Ask the provider to explain how these practices work day to day. No checklist can guarantee a perfect experience, so keep listening to your child and stay in touch with staff.
### Should I ask whether mentors get background checks?
Yes. Ask whether the program conducts background checks, checks references, interviews applicants, and uses other screening steps. Also ask what training and supervision mentors receive. A background check is one part of screening, not a complete description of how a program protects young people. ([mentoring.org](https://mentoring.org/resource/background-checks/?utm_source=openai))
### Is mentoring the same as tutoring or counseling?
Not necessarily. Some programs include homework help or other support, while others focus on relationship-building and personal interests. Ask what the mentor is expected to do and what services are outside the program’s role. If your child needs specialized academic or mental-health support, ask the appropriate school or professional about that separately.
### What if my child does not like their mentor?
Take the concern seriously and contact the program’s named staff person. Ask whether your child can talk with staff, whether the match can be adjusted, and how the program will handle the change. Your child should know they can raise concerns without being blamed or pressured to continue a match that does not feel right.
Choose with confidence
You do not need to find a “perfect” program on the first try. A strong provider will listen to your child, answer your questions, and make it easy to understand what will happen next. Use the Onward Families navigator to explore family resources and compare possible next steps, then confirm current details directly with each provider.