Examining the effects of a long-term mentoring program for at-risk adolescents
A randomized controlled trial of Friends of the Children, a long-term professional mentoring program for adolescents at risk: impacts at post-test and 2 year follow-up
This study is looking at how the Friends of the Children mentoring program helps at-risk kids by pairing them with professional mentors for over a decade, to see if having that support leads to better relationships and life outcomes compared to kids who don’t have a mentor.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10839471 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of the Friends of the Children (FOTC) mentoring program, which provides professional mentors to at-risk youth over a 12.5-year period. The program aims to foster positive relationships and community support for children and adolescents, helping them develop behavioral strengths and achieve better life outcomes. Participants will be involved in a randomized controlled trial comparing those receiving mentorship to a control group. The study builds on previous findings that highlight the benefits of mentoring in enhancing family involvement and interpersonal skills.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are at-risk youth aged 0-21 who could benefit from long-term professional mentoring.
Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk or do not fall within the age range of 0-21 may not receive benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved life outcomes for at-risk adolescents through effective mentoring.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes from mentoring programs, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Skinner, Martie L. — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Skinner, Martie L.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.