Why Mentors?
We call our foster parents “Mentors” because they do so much more than provide a foster home—they help children learn and grow, forever changing their lives. As positive role models, teachers, family and friends, our Mentors develop meaningful relationships with the youth they support and provide:
- 24-hour supervision and support
- Ongoing family- and community-based activities
- Life skills development
- Transportation
- Medication management oversight
Mentors Make the Difference
The key to any mentoring relationship is the close, one-on-one relationship that develops. Whether between caregiver and patient, teacher and student, or, in our case, foster parent and a child in need, we believe the mentoring relationship is central to helping all young people reach their potential.
The support, trust and stability found in our Mentor model are essential ingredients in helping young people learn and grow in natural family homes where they belong.
This is the basis of the Mentor model, but what ultimately makes it effective is the caring and dedication of our Mentors. For that reason, South Carolina MENTOR provides a range of support services to help our Mentors be the best foster parents they can be.
Professional Support
We’re committed to supporting our Mentors in any way we can, whether through home visits and additional skill development, or just being there to listen. Our Mentors can count on our entire team—from coordinators to program managers—to respond 24 hours a day.
Service Coordination & Case Management
Each home is assigned a coordinator who provides case management services. Our coordinators are human services professionals responsible for overseeing the day-to-day success of an individual’s home. The coordinator ensures that the individual’s needs are being met and that their plan of care is being followed. They will visit the individual and Mentor in the home regularly. There is also an after-hours coordinator on call 24/7 to respond to any urgent matters.
Need more info about becoming a foster parent?
There’s more information on our blog. Visit to learn what it takes and how to get started.