Abstract
The focus of this study is to determine the best practices of mentoring programs for at-risk youth in the Sacramento area. The researchers aim not only to look into the policies and practices of the selected mentoring programs, but to integrate the best practices in the hope of providing guidelines and information. These guidelines and information provide a template for generating interest to organize mentor programs, improve methods of recruitment, mobilize communities, and find funding support. Three mentoring programs participated in an exploratory and qualitative study through one-on-one interviews. The outcomes will prepare social workers and others working in the field of mentoring for at-risk youth. It will assist other mentoring programs in finding and implementing best practice services.