MATCH Program
All about our unique Mentorship and Transitional Care Homes program.
The Key Assets Mentorship and Transitional Care Homes (MATCH) program is a model designed specifically for youth ranging in age from 16 – 22. The program is for youth who demonstrate a desire and some ability to be independent, but who may not be yet be fully equipped for completely independent living.
MATCH youth are placed in homes with approved ‘foster carers/mentors’. The program encourages strong therapeutic relationships, where youth can develop long term connections with others and grow within the community. These connections assist youth in encouraging personal growth, building confidence, and transitioning towards full independence. Youth are engaged in all aspects of their care plan and are encouraged to become increasingly self-directed over time.
The goal of the MATCH program is to help youth develop their life skills, with a gradual reduction in professional supports. Together, we focus on increasing their abilities for reliance on natural supports so that they can live independently in the community.
Mentors are supported by Key Assets with training, coaching and guidance leading to development, financial incentives, community resources, as well as team support from trained professionals.
Mentorship Recruitment Criteria
Key Assets requires the following criteria be met by all potential mentors before placement:
- Each foster carer/mentor must meet specific Ministry requirements for housing youth in care. This includes undergoing a foster home assessment, safety inspection of the property, child welfare checks, employment reference checks, criminal checks, etc.
- To respond to the specific needs of our youth as well as accommodate training programs, mentors must have a level of work flexibility.
- To provide positive and lasting outcomes for our youth, each mentor must commit to participation in ongoing training and reflection groups.
- To provide a safe and stable environment for the youth in our care, each mentor must have a demonstrated ability to understand the effects of trauma on adolescent development.
- Each mentor must have the ability to assist vulnerable youth and a desire to help them become independent.
