Mentoring transforms the lives of both the young people (mentees) and adults (mentors).  By forging a relationship and spending time together, two individuals have a unique opportunity to blossom in ways neither may have imagined before. 
  
The DCF Mentoring Program, Youth Links, contracts with local service providers statewide to connect adult mentors to adolescents ages 14-17, and 18-21 who are involved with the Department and identify LBGTQIA+ and/or allies, questing, family or friends.  The providers recruit, screen and train eligible candidates to become mentors, partner with DCF social workers then match approved mentors with DCF committed adolescents and young adults. The goal of the mentoring program is to provide an important and long-lasting relationship to adolescents who are placed outside of their homes. 
  
Mentors are involved in the adolescent's life as a guide, a positive role adult model and a confidant. A mentor's commitment to the adolescent is very important. Mentors maintain weekly contact with their mentees at a minimum of three times a month.  The Mentoring program aims at maintaining these relationships on a long-term basis.  Ideally, the relationships evolve into permanent, life-long friendships.