The following are some of the needs that our Specialized at Risk Mentors address: substance Abuse, court involvement, gang involvement, peer conflict, at risk of being removed from their home/community, severe mental health needs that impede them from being productive in their community, at risk of being taken out of current school program, run away behavior, and past suicidal ideation.

• Assist families with navigating the educational system and work with the school personnel to meet student(s) educational goals.
• Assist families with navigating court related needs, as well as meeting post-disposition conditions and goals.
• Assist families with opening lines of communication between themselves and public service providers to help address immediate mental health and behavioral needs.
• Identify community resources to assist families with working towards successful transition and achieving sustainability.

At risk mentors assigned are members of the community who have experience working within the community in implementing wrap around services. The following is some of the experience that we look for when promoting someone to become a Specialized at Risk Mentor: experience working with the Children System of Care (as a case manager or in home provider), CMO background, court background, experience advocating for youth in school and court, vocational rehabilitation, etc. Strong writing/tech skills preferred.