Mentoring
Helping Foster Youth Thrive Through Guidance and Consistent Support
Children in foster care are just like any other kids. They seek fun, love, and acceptance. Many, however, face challenges that require them to make decisions far beyond their years. Having at least one consistent, supportive adult who believes in them and encourages their growth is essential for their development. For some foster children, a mentor may be the only stable, dependable relationship in their lives, offering a crucial sense of family and belonging.
Our team partners with mentors to help children in care build confidence, resilience, and life skills. Mentors receive guidance, resources, and support at every stage of the process, ensuring relationships are meaningful, safe, and impactful.
How We Support Foster Youth and Mentors
Mentor Matching: Children are paired with mentors based on shared interests, personalities, and needs to encourage strong, lasting connections.
Training and Guideance for Mentors: Mentors receive preparation and resources to understand foster care, child development, and effective ways to support youth.
Ongoing Support: Regular check-ins, guidance, and access to community resources help mentors and youth succeed together.
Resources for Youth: Mentors gain access to tools and activities that encourage skill-building, confidence, and emotional growth.
Who Can Mentor
Individuals, couples, and families from all backgrounds who are ready to provide support, guidance, and a steady presence in a child’s life. Even dedicating just one hour a week can make a meaningful difference, helping a child feel seen, valued, and supported.
Mentors offer more than just time, they provide encouragement, friendship, and a sense of stability during challenging moments. By sharing experiences, listening, and guiding, mentors can help children in care build confidence, develop life skills, and envision a brighter future. Every connection matters, and your commitment can inspire hope, resilience, and lasting positive change in a child’s life.
Be The FAM
Children in foster care and those waiting for adoption benefit not only from homes but also from caring adults who provide guidance, encouragement, and support. Through the Be the FAM initiative, our team encourages community members to mentor youth, offering consistent relationships that foster confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
Mentorship allows you to make a meaningful difference in a child’s daily life, helping them navigate challenges, explore opportunities, and develop skills for the future. Our team connects mentors with youth based on interests and needs, providing resources and guidance to ensure the relationship is positive, safe, and impactful.
Even without fostering or adopting, mentoring is a powerful way to be family. Be the FAM means showing up for children, offering support, guidance, and hope, and ensuring every child knows they are valued, cared for, and capable of thriving.
Contact Us

Phone: (775) 337-4470
Email: BeTheFAM@washoecounty.gov
Website: BeTheFAM.washoecounty.gov
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
(Closed on all Federal and Nevada State holidays)