Frequently Asked Questions

What is the one-to-one mentoring program?

AFC’s one-to-one mentoring matches adult mentors with youth mentees who are in foster care or who have been adopted from foster care.

What is the time commitment?

Mentors commit to meeting with their mentees at least 8 hours a month for at least 12 months.  AFC is proud that the majority of our matches choose to continue to meet for more than a year (our average match length is over 2 years).

Who is eligible to mentor?

Anyone who lives in the Boston area, is 21 or older, and is willing to make at least a year-long commitment, can be a mentor.

What is the screening process involved in becoming a mentor?

We screen all of our mentors with a SORI (Sexual Offender Record Information), CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information), fingerprint and FBI background check. Mentors must complete an application and interview with AFC’s Programming Staff.  AFC considers all activities prior to a match as part of the screening process.

Where do the youth live?

The large majority of our youth live throughout the Greater Boston area.

Do I have to have access to a car?

No. If you do not have a car, we will do our best to match you with a youth who lives in an area accessible by public transportation.  However, a car is useful and sometimes necessary when youth move outside subway/commuter rail areas, and mentors should at least be willing to rent out a ZipCar if/when a car is needed to visit their mentee (AFC has special funds set aside to help mentors cover transportation costs).

What kinds of activities would my mentee and I do?

You and your mentee are matched based on things that you have in common, including a favorite sport or activity. Some examples include going to the park, flying kites, riding bikes, going to museums, getting ice cream, or just going for a walk. The Programming Staff at AFC also sends out a monthly list of activities that you and your mentee can do together that are free or low cost. We periodically get tickets to events, games, and shows that you can both enjoy.

When are the upcoming information sessions being held?

Information sessions on average are held once a month. Check the home page or email [email protected] to find out specifically when the next information session will be held.

Do I need to sign up to attend an information session?

Yes. Please email [email protected] or call 617-224-1302 to let us know you would like to attend.

Do I need to bring anything with me when I attend the information session?

If you know prior to your Info Session that you will be applying to mentor, you can bring a government issued ID to begin the background check process.

I’ve attended an information session; now what?

After attending an information session, you should fill out the mentor application and contact Evan ([email protected]) to schedule an in-person interview.

How often are mentor training sessions held?

Training sessions are held roughly every other month, and usually take place on Saturdays.  Mentor training sessions last 7 hours.