Parent Orientation Checklist
Best Practice Resources – Program Operations
This sample parent orientation checklist was created by staff at Oregon Mentors using our knowledge
and examples from the field. This sample can be modified to fit the context of your specific mentoring
program. Your parent orientation checklist should be detailed in writing in your employee handbook,
reviewed for new staff during on the job training and used to prepare parents for participation in your
mentoring program.
Delivering the Orientation:
Parents need to be provided a comprehensive overview of your program and the benefits and
expectations of the mentoring relationship just as volunteers and youth do. A parent orientation should
happen separately from the youth orientation. While it may be convenient to orient youth and parents
simultaneously, the trainings should occur in separate meeting spaces in order to give both parents and
youth an opportunity to ask important questions. The following is a step-by-step guide to facilitating a
parent orientation.
1. Begin with Introductions.
o Explain your name, role and experience with the program. Let participant’s know they’ll be
introducing themselves in a minute.
o Use a participatory ice-breaker for introductions.
2. Outline goals of orientation and purpose
o To provide you with a comprehensive understanding of this mentoring program
o To answer any questions or concerns
o To prepare your child for participation
Cover the following topics during the meeting:
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Introduce the program including organizational history, mission and goals

Describe the benefits of mentoring for both youth and adults

Discuss Mentee & Mentor Eligibility requirements

Describe program specific screening process

Specify the program commitment including (frequency, duration, scheduling)

Outline the role of a mentor

Describe stages of the Mentoring Relationship

Review program policies and procedures
o Communication
o Confidentiality
o Grievances
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o
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Mandatory Reporting
Meeting guidelines
Missing a meeting
Safe Touch
Relationship closure

How to Prepare for the First Meeting

Q&A

Paperwork completion such as:
o Youth intake application
o Parent Guardian Consent
o Consent to Evaluate
o Media Release
o Release of Information

Provide parent with a current program newsletter and activity calendar and appropriate
program contact information