Queens Adolescent Diversion Program
QADP is a mentoring service that matches college interns and community volunteers to mentor at-risk youth ages 9-17 for a period of 15 weeks. The goal of QADP is primarily to divert at-risk youth and families from the Family Court System. Secondly, the program offers fieldwork experience where college students learn to integrate theory, skills and practice that foster professional growth and competence. QADP provides a combination of site-based and community-based mentoring services that are tailored to meet the youth’s needs, goals and interests. Our programs attempt to reduce the potential for negative influences and assist youth in developing a healthy sense of competency, self-esteem and decision-making abilities. Mentors provide youth with consistent support, guidance and alternatives to at-risk behaviors through participation in educational, recreational and culturally enriching opportunities. The mentors also assist youth in setting personal goals that focus on education, family life and communication, and community service. Mentors undergo an interview process, background check and training prior to being matched. The Program Director and Youth Development Counselor are available to provide supervision, support and guidance throughout the mentoring process.
The Community-Based Program, pairs meet approximately 6-8 hours weekly on a one-on-one basis in the youth’s home and/or community. They often set their own meeting schedule, allowing for some flexibility. Mentors offer individualized attention and engage youth in fun and educational activities that foster self-awareness, positive socialization and academic achievement. Mentors also help their mentees address school, family and personal issues and challenges. Mentors meet with parents, visit the youth’s school to assess academic status and help youth set goals related to education, family life, and socialization.
The Site-Based Program brings together a group of youth and mentors in a Team Mentoring model. Mentors and youth meet on-site for 15 weeks in a supervised and structured, multi-cultural setting. They attend 3-4 hour workshops once a week that focus on strengthening the participants’ social skills, attitudes and behaviors. The workshops will address issues such as anger management, effective communication and conflict-resolution, cultural diversity and academic success. Youth will also have the opportunity to receive homework assistance or individual counseling. Youth are empowered to become more civic-minded by developing, planning and organizing community service projects. Youth will experience an improved sense of confidence, self-worth and leadership potential.
Who Can Be A Mentor ? Mentors must be at least 21 yrs. of age, with good interpersonal skills and committed to helping and empowering youth. Background checks, a formal interview, and training are required. Mentors must meet with program staff for support and guidance throughout the mentorship.
Referrals All services for youth and families are free. Intakes for the community-based mentorship assignments occur twice annually, June through August for the Fall school semester and December –January for the Spring semester. Intakes for the site-based program occurs year round. Parental involvement is essential to the mentoring process and parents must be willing to participate in a series of workshops.
To obtain more information or to become involved, contact:
John Harrison, Associate Executive Director
Jharrison@mediatenyc.org
718-523-6868 ext. 261
Queens Adolescent Diversion Program is Funded by The NYS Office of Children and Family Services
