5 counties in Arkansas received a 3 year grant to help Children of Incarcerated parents. In Northwest Arkansas (Washington, Benton Counties)
the Child Care Resource & Referral Center (part of the Jones Center) has started a mentoring program called H.I.P Mentoring Program for children of Prisoners.

They got the money last December and the program has been running for a few months now. They are in need of Mentors as well as children to be signed up. Mentors volunteer to spend 1 hour a week with a child and receive 10 hours of training. A child will be placed with you after your first 2 hours of mentor training.


Here are the elibability requirements:

Children who are:
1. With a parent currently incarcerated for one year or more in any correctional facility

2. With a legal guardian or custodial parent or state agency who is agreeable to the child's participation inthe mentoring program.

3. Live in Washington or Benton Counties

Mentors:
1. Should be at least 21 years of age
2. Be of good character
3. Pass a criminal background screening
4. Pass a screening for previous child abuse or neglect
5. Demonstrate a propensity for learnign how to serve the special need of a particular group of children
6. Be willing to commit to at least one year of service
7. Be willing to understand the child in the context of the child's family
8. Be willing to be responsible for the safety of the child while in their company
9. Be willing to acept the joyof an experience of a lifetime
10. Be willing to accept recognition

If you are interested in becoming a mentor or would like to sign up your child for this program please contact:

Paul Batson
Child Resource & Referral Center
614 East Emma
Springdale, AR 72764
479-751-3463
jbatson@jtlshop.jonesnet.org