Become a special part of a child's life! Being a mentor for a child or teen in foster care affords you the opportunity to give back to the community in a very substantial way. By giving some of your time, you can inspire a youth to reach their potential. By enjoying simple pleasures like washing a car or going to a movie, you and your mentee will have a chance to learn about life together—either by working together on academics, or by exploring the community and just enjoying time together.

Change a life...change your life—be a mentor!

• 59% of mentored teens get better grades
• Overall, youth participation in mentoring relationships experience positive academic returns
• Better attendance
• Increased chance of going on to higher education
• Better attitudes towards school
• 81% of teens feel that talking with adults helps reduce teen pregnancy
• 53% of students credit mentors with improving their ability to avoid drugs
• Mentoring enhances many aspects of young people's social and emotional development
• Participating in mentoring promoted positive social attitudes and relationships
• Mentors can open a new world to foster children that they otherwise may not have and help them realize their potential and dreams

Children Uniting Nations/mPLAY seeks responsible and enthusiastic volunteers who have a desire to make a difference in the life of a child and the community at large. Studies show that mentoring has a positive and significant effect on the likelihood that a young person will avoid negative behaviors and participate successfully in school and community life.

For more information on Children Uniting Nations Academic Mentoring Program read through our Academic Mentor Centers

• Compassion, patience, flexibility and understanding for the individual situations of the children in foster care
• Commit to working with your mentee for the time specified

• Must be 21yrs. or older to participate in relationship-based mentoring
• Must be 18yrs. or older to participate in academic mentoring
• Complete an application and participate in face to face interview
• Complete Mentor Survey
• Must clear criminal background check and child abuse index check
• Provide valid California Drivers License, DMV record, and proof of insurance before transporting mentees
• Sign an oath of confidentiality
• Attend agency orientation and training
• A caring heart