Youth Connections Unlimited is seeking volunteers for several of their programs that provide direct mentoring and positive role modeling for juveniles in Sacramento County. Youth Connections Unlimited works in partnership with the Sacramento County Probation Department, where more than 5,000 youth are under Probation’s supervision. These minors may be exhibiting pre-criminal behavior, such as truancy, or may already be in justice system for minor offenses. The typical young person involved is a 9 to 14 year old male who has no father or any other positive male role model in his life.

“Less than 5% of the young people, who have had a mentor through our program, get into any trouble at all,” says David Taft, Executive Director of Youth Connections Unlimited. “National statistics show that 98 percent of young people who have a mentor do not affiliate with gangs or drop out of school.”

“There is no silver bullet to solving youth gang and violence problems,” says Suzanne Collins, Assistance Chief Probation Officer for Sacramento County. “However, one of the most effective and powerful tools we have is mentoring. Children need to bond with someone whom they trust and who can show them that being respected does not have to include being part of a gang or using a gun.”

Becoming a mentor with the Sacramento County Probation Department involves a fingerprint background check, personal references, orientation and training.

The time commitment is just a few hours a week. “We find that many of the young people appreciate being with their mentor and being involved in whatever activity is appropriate,” continues Taft. “This could be anything from sports and entertainment to helping with practical jobs around the house. The response from the child is usually immediate and positive, effecting both behavior and school grades.”

For more information on mentoring, or other community volunteer programs available with Probation and juveniles in the justice system, please contact: