Mentors Empowering Now to Overcome Recidivism (MENTOR) Program Evaluation

• In Event: Sources of Sentencing Disparity and Predictors of Recidivism

Abstract

Targeting medium and high risk probationers in Philadelphia, the MENTOR (Mentors Empowering Now to Overcome Recidivism) program is a unique specialty court that provides mentoring and case management with the goal of reducing recidivism. As part of the first stage of the program evaluation, a mixed methods approach will utilize data from mentor monthly reports, participant surveys and participant focus groups. Analyses will reveal the frequency and nature of contact between mentors and mentees, common obstacles faced by participants on probation supervision, as well as participants’ perceptions about the program. Implications for future program development as well as for other specialty court programs will be addressed.

Author

• Caitlin Taylor, La Salle University