Youth Development & Mentoring Programs Flashcards

Which term describes the phenomenon where a mentoring relationship ends abruptly without proper closure, potentially harming the youth?

Answer: Premature termination

Premature termination refers to an unplanned, abrupt end to a mentoring match before the intended program duration, which research shows can be more harmful than no mentoring.

A CPP practitioner is implementing the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) program. What is the minimum recommended match length according to the program model?

Answer: 12 months

Big Brothers Big Sisters recommends matches last a minimum of 12 months, as research shows relationships lasting less than one year may produce neutral or negative outcomes.

Which community-level strategy BEST complements individual mentoring programs by addressing systemic barriers to youth success?

Answer: Collective impact initiatives that align education, health, and social services

Collective impact initiatives align multiple sectors (education, health, justice, social services) around shared goals, addressing systemic barriers that individual mentoring alone cannot overcome.

According to social learning theory as applied in youth development, youth are MOST likely to adopt prosocial behaviors when they:

Answer: Observe positive behaviors modeled by admired adults or peers

Bandura's social learning theory holds that observational learning from role models—particularly those the learner admires—is the most powerful mechanism for behavior adoption.

In risk assessment for youth entering a prevention program, which factor is considered a DYNAMIC risk factor (changeable through intervention)?

Answer: Association with antisocial peers

Association with antisocial peers is a dynamic risk factor because peer relationships can change through program participation, unlike static factors such as age of first arrest or gender.

Which concept describes the process of gradually reducing program support as a youth builds self-sufficiency and independent skills?

Answer: Fading

Fading is the systematic, planned reduction of program intensity and support as the youth demonstrates increased competence and self-management.

A youth program serves a predominantly Latino community. Which cultural adaptation is MOST important to incorporate for program effectiveness?

Answer: Incorporating familismo values by engaging extended family networks

Familismo—the strong value placed on extended family loyalty and collective well-being in many Latino cultures—should be incorporated by actively engaging family networks in program design and delivery.