Virtual training being offered to help mentor child with incarcerated parent

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Central Oregon Partnerships for Youth (COPY), a program of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, is offering a virtual class to prepare volunteers to become mentors for children with an incarcerated parent.

After initial training and comprehensive background checks, volunteers are matched with a child in Bend, Redmond, Sisters or LaPine that share similar interests and activities and commit to spending a few hours a week together for a minimum of one year. This time is often spent going to community events, working on homework, attending art programs, exploring the community, or simply hanging out and talking.

On Saturday, September 26, COPY will offer a virtual orientation/training class. This 3½-hour class covers program policies, how to establish a mentor relationship, the impact incarceration has on families, and communication skills. Additionally, we will be spending time talking about safety and best practices for mentoring in a COVID-19 world. There is no cost to attend, but advanced registration is required.

For additional details please call 541-388-6651 or email COPY@deschutes.org Additional program information is available at the Sheriff’s Office web site at www.sheriff.deschutes.org/copy.