What is Parent Mentoring?

Le Chéile understands the needs of parents who have a young person involved in Young Persons' Probation and have therefore established a Parent Mentoring service.

What is a Parent Mentor?

A Parent Mentor is a member of the community who gives their time on a voluntary (unpaid) basis to Le Chéile. Parent Mentors are over 25 years of age and will be able to offer the parent some support and general guidance. They will also be a friend and person that they can discuss parenting issues with on a regular basis.

Parent Mentors undergo a thorough recruitment procedure, including individual interview, Garda check, reference check, identification check and all Parent Mentors are required to attend an intensive training course. Parent Mentors are chosen primarily because of their ability to listen, their understanding of the needs of parents, their ability to work with parents to deal with parenting issues, their motivation and positive attitudes.

For Parents

What does Parent Mentoring involve?

You will meet with your Parent Mentor for about three hours a week outside of the home. For the initial few weeks you may wish to meet for coffee, go to the cinema and focus on building a relationship with your mentor. After that you can start to set out achievable goals together. These may involve working on parenting issues, stress management, motivation and building confidence in parenting.

How Long does Parent Mentoring Last?

You will be assigned a Mentor for three hours a week for the length of time that your young person is involved with Le Chéile. This could be anything from six months to two years. However you can chose to end your Parent Mentoring relationship before then if you feel you no longer need the service.

How do I get involved?

You may have already been asked to join the project by your young person’s Probation Officer or by a member of Le Chéile in which case please contact them on the number with which you have been provided. Alternatively, once you have a young person who is involved with the Probation Service you can contact us directly on the number given and we will provide you with all of the information that you require in order to join.

What will it cost?

Nothing! All activities and costs are paid for by Le Chéile and funded through the Probation Service. Le Chéile may also fund child minding services in limited circumstances.