Compeer

Program Overview and Background

Compeer, an international organization that started in 1973, serves as an extra layer of support for youth and adults who are living with a mental health diagnosis. The Compeer youth mentoring program provides one–to–one and small group mentoring for young people who are struggling with their mental health.

Compeer’s programs have been proven to reduce isolation, increase self–esteem, improve behavior and assist with positive decision–making, all key components of a mentally healthy young person. With OJJDP funding, Compeer will expand its evidenced–based mental health mentoring program to more young people in communities across the country.

Program Services

Compeer mentors commit to a minimum of one year and four hours a month to being a friend with someone who is struggling with their mental health. Clients are referred by a mental health professional and those who are waiting to be matched with a volunteer are invited to attend weekly social engagement activities.

Mentors and the activities can help to reduce the isolation experienced by many who suffer from anxiety and depression, increasing the likelihood that they will be able attend school and complete high school successfully; this, in turn, reduces the likelihood that the youth will seek a gang for a social support system, consume illegal substances as a coping mechanism, or engage in other behaviors that could involve them in the juvenile justice system.

Target Population

Compeer’s Multi-state Mentoring Initiative will focus exclusively on the high-risk, underserved population of youth who are struggling with their mental health and will strive to include youth from other high-risk sub-populations, including youth of color, LGBTQ youth, and children with an incarcerated parent or sibling. Youth to be served will be under age 18 and will have demonstrated additional factors that place them at risk of engagement in the juvenile justice system.