Whereas, Youth mentoring is a structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement aimed at developing the competence and character of the mentee. There are approximately 3,000,000 young people in the United States benefiting from solid mentoring relationships but, there are still nearly 15,000,000 young people in need of mentors; and

Whereas, Quality youth mentoring programs provide benefits to the children and youth served such as improved academic achievement, self-esteem, social skills and career development and reduces the likelihood of substance abuse and other high risk behaviors; and

Whereas, It is important for organized youth mentoring programs to adhere to recognized quality program standards which include: well-trained, professional staff, screened and trained mentors and carefully created matches between each mentor and mentee for program efficacy and for the safety of all children and youth served; and

Whereas, Timely and affordable state and federal criminal background checks are important elements of a thorough screening of prospective mentors for the safety of all children; and

Whereas, Adequate funding is necessary to provide quality youth mentoring programs and to increase the number of youth served; therefore be it

Resolved, That PTA and its constituent organizations promote education of the need for youth mentors; and be it further

Resolved, That PTA and its constituent organizations encourage the utilization of recognized quality program standards by youth mentoring programs; and be it further

Resolved, That PTA and its constituent organizations advocate for legislation and other initiatives that provide youth mentoring programs with access to consistent, timely and affordable state and federal criminal background screening of mentors; and be it further

Resolved, That PTA and its constituent organizations advocate for legislation and initiatives that help fund quality youth mentoring programs.