The FLY CAFA Mentor Program is a 12 month program for youth who are currently being impacted by the juvenile justice system and need additional support from an adult in their communities to help achieve their goals.
For nearly two decades, FLY has trained and matched adult volunteer mentors with youth on formal probation and DEJ. Court Appointed Friend and Advocates, or CAFA Mentors, meet regularly with the youth to support them in identifying and pursuing their life goals. Each mentor/mentee match has a FLY case manager for support and also attends monthly group activities organized by FLY. Mentors are sworn in to act as advocates for their mentees in the courtroom.
1:1 Mentoring
Each youth in the program is matched with a positive adult role model from their community. Mentors receive extensive training that prepares them to partner with youth who have been impacted or are currently impacted by the juvenile justice system. FLY CAFA Mentors build positive relationships with youth through one-to-one meetings and doing fun things, while also helping them set and achieve developmental goals.
Court Advocacy
In addition to providing support to youth in the community, CAFA Mentors are specially appointed by a judge in the juvenile justice system to provide court advocacy. CAFA Mentors will attend court proceedings and address the court on behalf of their young person, as well as write and submit court reports that are strength-based and healing-centered.
Fun Events
Throughout the program year, matches have opportunities to get together with their peers and do fun things like go-karting, laser tag, and white-water rafting. At these events, youth get to practice prosocial skill building with the support of peers, mentors, and staff while strengthening their bond as a match.
How Youth Are referred
Referrals to the FLY CAFA Mentor Program come from anywhere for youth on probation (i.e. self-referrals, family, community organizations, the Courts, etc.).
To refer a young person:
Santa Clara County: scccafa@flyprogram.org
Alameda County: accafa@flyprogram.org
How to Volunteer
FLY CAFA Mentors must be 21 years of age or older, willing to meet one-on-one weekly with youth living in Santa Clara County or Alameda County, and make a 12-month commitment. Please apply using the link below.
VolunteerImpact
As a result of participation in the FLY CAFA Mentor Program, youth report that they want to make positive changes, that they now have hope for their futures, and that the program has given them more confidence to deal with negative peer pressure.
For more information about the high value of mentoring, read what retired Santa Clara Superior Court Judge Leonard Edwards says in the article linked below.
One Caring Adult
Decreased Justice System Involvement
On average, over 75% of youth who successfully complete the CAFA Program also complete over probation, and over 80% of all youth in the program do not sustain a new charge. By comparison, national research data shows that without effective intervention, 50% – 80% of youth released from facilities will recidivate.
Increased Social-Emotional Learning
On average, over 75% of youth increase their social-emotional learning skills in at least one of the following domains: self-awareness, social awareness, critical thinking, and self-advocacy.
Together, these outcomes lead youth to greater self-sufficiency, as well as give youth the tools to become leaders in our communities.
Contact for more information
Alameda County
CAFA Mentor Program Case Manager
Sadie Oliver-Grey
soliverg@flyprogram.org
(408) 640-8917
Santa Clara County
CAFA Program Manager
Amzi Maya-Lopez
amzi@flyprogram.org
(510) 932-0215
FLY is important because most of these kids don’t trust anyone. They do need hands-on attention. And that is what FLY mentors give them – someone they can count on and trust and have a positive relationship with. Without FLY, I know I would see far more repeat offenders. In a year of probation, the probation officer can change, the judges can change, and the only person that doesn’t change is the FLY mentor. I depend on the mentors of FLY.