Description:
Adolescent Advocacy

Mentoring Project (AAMP)

More than 150 foster children in Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden

Counties will "age-out" of the child welfare system over

the next three years. Without stable family connections

and few services to support them, these foster youth

often fend for themselves.

For many, their lack of adult support, education and

inadequate training result in an unstable lifestyle leading

to homelessness or becoming involved in the criminal

justice system. Friends of Children initiated AAMP to

advocate for this at-risk and often forgotten population.

Mentoring can provide the critical bridge these young

people need to make a successful transition from foster

care to self-sufficiency with skills to build positive

relationships and lifestyles.

Volunteers are trained and supported while they mentor

foster teens and teach them the importance of connection

as they learn independent living skills.



"I was thinking...it is amazing that she's a doctor and

is taking this kind of time with me. When I finish

school, I hope I can do this for somebody else"

-AAMP Youth