Impact

Results that matter

Studies on youth criminality have shown that early intervention aimed at identifying risk factors while proactively promoting healthy personal development is much more effective than a reactionary approach. This is why Plusone works with community partners to engage young people who are at risk and provides them with a personalized and positive support. Studies have also shown that youth who have participated in a mentoring program are more likely to experience fewer negative outcomes, such as contact with police, disciplinary actions at school, conflict with their peers and at home. Further research has shown an increase in the stability of youth-in-care placements, in the development of meaningful relationships with adult mentors as well as heightened school engagement.

Improved self-esteem, social skills and personal relationships

Mentoring can give young people who are experiencing challenges an opportunity to establish relationships with caring adults who can help them solve problems and forge links with their community, higher education and the workforce. This creates new connections and resources for youth, expanding their network and showing them that they can make meaningful contributions to their community. Plusone participants are brought to engage with, and integrate, their immediate peer-centred social circles as well as community initiatives and projects.

Greater involvement in education and the workforce

Mentoring projects in the United Kingdom and Australia have indicated that youth who were matched with a mentor felt more confident in their school work, attended school more often and achieved better grades. An Australian program found that the participation of mentees in the workforce, education and training increased from 36% at the start of the program to 85% at the end. The Plusone Mentoring program provides youth with positive citizen role-models whose example they will be able to emulate far into the future.

Reduced crime and recidivism rates

Findings from an evaluation of mentoring programs in the United Kingdom showed that they have helped reduce rates of recidivism. In fact, participants had 61% fewer arrests. 86% of Plusone participants in Scotland showed an improvement in their behaviour and attitude after 6 months in the program.