Understanding how mentor traits can help children of incarcerated parents avoid substance use
Official title: The impact of mentor characteristics on mitigating substance use outcomes among children of incarcerated caregivers
Funded at Innovation Research and Training, INC. · NIH-10931347 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how different qualities in mentors can help kids with incarcerated parents, who often face tough challenges, by figuring out what makes mentors most effective in supporting them and reducing issues like substance use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Innovation Research and Training, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $87,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R03DA056772-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931347 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-21 who have a caregiver that has been incarcerated.
✕Less likely to help
Children whose caregivers have never been incarcerated may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of mentor characteristics in supporting children of incarcerated parents, a group facing significant challenges such as family instability and stigma. By analyzing data from over 1,300 children and their mentors across various mentoring programs, the study aims to identify which traits in mentors are most effective in reducing negative outcomes like substance use. The research will focus on understanding how these mentors can provide essential support and guidance to these vulnerable youth. The findings could help improve mentoring programs and better support children in similar situations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective mentoring programs that significantly reduce substance use among children of incarcerated parents.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that mentoring can positively impact youth outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.
Where this research is happening
-
Innovation Research and Training, INC.
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stump, Kathryn N — Innovation Research and Training, INC.
- Study coordinator: Stump, Kathryn N
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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.