Youth Mentor Accountability: Setting the Tone

For Mentor

Mentors have a unique power dynamic with young people. This playbook helps mentors understand that power, set healthy boundaries, and hold themselves accountable — because the mentor relationship is built on trust, and that trust can be misused if mentors aren't intentional about boundaries.

Steps

Establish clear boundaries from day one: what you will and won't discuss, communication hours, meeting locations.
Never meet one-on-one in private — always in public or with others nearby.
Document all meetings and communications — protect yourself and your mentee.
Know your program's reporting protocols and mandatory reporting obligations.
Never take on the role of counselor or therapist — connect them to professionals.
Examine your own assumptions and language — mentors carry biases too.
Have regular check-ins with your program coordinator about how the relationship is going.
If something feels off, report it — don't wait for proof.