Become a Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) Mentor
The CDOC Mentor is matched with those currently incarcerated that want to be mentored and continue that mentorship after they release from incarceration. Working together for successful reintegration back into the community is done by securing community support, offering guidance and providing a continuum of care. This program is designed to achieve success!
The Department of Corrections is looking for people that can do the following:
- Help mentee build self-confidence
- Provide career guidance
- Assist mentee identify with their new environment
- Be a source for information and encouragement
- Establish clear and open communication
- Provide productive feedback
- Guide mentee with difficult situations without creating dependency
- Help develop creative and independent thinking
- Encourage continued growth and development
People of various backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply including those that are on parole, formerly incarcerated and others in the community.
MENTOR PROCESS
Becoming an active mentor is easy. There is an application process and a few simple steps required before being approved to mentor.
The matching of a mentor to mentee will be based on your area of service. An area of service is defined as your own community to where the mentee will be released.
Offender Re-Entry Mentor Program Approval requires submission of a Mentor Application 900-02. The completed application and mentor agreement will need to be submitted via email.
Here are the instructions to turn in your Mentor Application:
- The Subject Line of Email - Must have the Facility name and your area of service.
- The Body of Email – Must include regions you are willing to travel in Colorado.
- Attach your completed application and email it to doc_mentoring@state.co.us
- If you are applying to support a special needs offender (mental health, sex offender, addictions, etc.) please attach a narrative or documentation to support your request for facility review.
- Each applicant will undergo a facility access check to explore criminal history.
- Mentor Training - The approving facility will provide instructions and links needed to complete the mandatory online training. Only individuals who have been cleared through the application and facility access check process are allowed to take the online training.
- Training will include: Introduction to CDOC, Professionalism, Offender Supervision, Games Offenders Play, Positive Professional Communication, and Hostage Survival. There will be additional training modules that are specific to mental health, sex offenders and special needs offenders.
- Upon successful completion of this training each mentor will complete the Mentor Agreement, Confidentiality Statement, Code of Ethics, Consent to Search Form and Training Certification forms. All forms need to be completed, signed and given to the facility.
- The facility will determine and assign mentors to mentees.
- The facility will coordinate any orientation as needed.
- Warden Approval - By statute each Warden / Designee is responsible for approving all individuals entering the facility.
- All mentor visits will be scheduled through the facility.
- Addendum to Mentor Application (900-02B) will be submitted prior to any new mentor/mentee assignment.