9/26 Become a youth mentor-attend the free training

Our youth = our future. Check out this program! -hoc
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It is estimated that, on any given day, 350 kids in Deschutes County are
dealing with the disruptive effects of parental incarceration. Central
Oregon Partnerships for Youth (COPY), a program of the Deschutes County
Sheriff's Office, is offering a class to prepare volunteers to become
mentors for children with an incarcerated parent.

"We know from research, children with an incarcerated parent are at
significantly higher risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice
system," explains Deschutes County Sheriff Larry Blanton. "Our agency is
committed to providing alternatives to incarceration. Mentoring these
kids today will result in fewer people incarcerated in the future."

On Saturday, September 26, COPY will offer a training class in Bend.
Upon completing the class and background checks, volunteers can be
matched with a child living in their local Deschutes County community.

The six-hour class covers program policies, how to establish a mentor
relationship, the impact incarceration has on families, and
communication skills. There is no cost to attend, but an application is
required.

After initial training and background checks, volunteers are matched
with a child who shares similar interests and activities and commits to
spending a few hours a week together for a minimum of one year. This
time is often spent going to community events, working on homework,
attending art programs, participating in sports, or simply hanging out
and talking.

For additional details or to request an application, please call
388-6651 or email COPY@deschutes.org . Additional program information is
available online at www.deschutes.org/copy.

Anna M. Johnson
Public Communications Coordinator
DESCHUTES COUNTY
(541) 330-4640 office
(541) 280-5263 cell
(541) 385-3202 fax
1300 NW Wall Street, Ste. 200
Bend, OR 97701
www.deschutes.org
www.deschutes.org/mostwanted/

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Deschutes County Government provides for the safety, security and health
of Deschutes County's 167,000 citizens through public safety, human
services, adult parole & probation, juvenile justice and many other
valuable public services. For more information, please go to
www.deschutes.org .