The Hidden Risks of Youth Mentoring in the Caribbean Community

​Youth mentoring has long been recognised as a valuable tool for supporting the personal and social development of young people.

In the Caribbean community, mentoring programs have played a crucial role in helping youth navigate the challenges of growing up and preparing for adulthood. However, as the demand for mentors continues to rise, there are growing concerns about the potential dangers that can arise when mentoring relationships are not properly managed and supervised.

One of the most significant risks associated with youth mentoring in the Caribbean community is the lack of capacity among voluntary and community groups to meet the increasing demand for mentors.

As a result, many parents and caregivers are turning to paid or volunteer mentors from their local communities to provide guidance and support for their children. While these mentors may have good intentions, the absence of proper screening, training, and safeguarding measures can put young people at risk of harm.

Without a clean Enhanced DBS (police check), character or professional reference checks, there is no way to ensure that mentors are suitable to work with young people. This can leave children vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, or other forms of harm. Read our article on Finding the Right Mentor

Moreover, mentors who are not properly trained may lack the skills and knowledge needed to provide effective support and guidance to young people, potentially leading to negative outcomes.

To address these concerns, it is essential that steps are taken to improve the safety and quality of youth mentoring in the Caribbean community. This can include:

1. Increasing funding and support for voluntary and community groups to help them expand their capacity to provide mentoring services
2. Establishing clear standards and guidelines for the screening, training, and supervision of mentors, including requirements for enhanced DBS checks and reference checks
3. Providing ongoing training and support for mentors to ensure they have the skills and knowledge needed to work effectively with young people
4. Encouraging greater collaboration and partnership between mentoring organizations, schools, and other community groups to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach to youth mentoring
5. Raising awareness among parents and caregivers about the importance of choosing mentors who have been properly screened and trained, and who operate within a framework of safeguarding and support

By taking these steps, we can help to ensure that youth mentoring in the Caribbean community is safe, effective, and beneficial for all young people. It is essential that we work together to create a culture of safeguarding and support, so that every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

Elaine Isadora Thomas - Founder Ceo, The Mentoring Lab

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