Faith-Based Mentoring Initiative

Frequently Asked Questions 

Background

Each year, over 2,000 adults are released from prison and return to District of Columbia 

neighborhoods. Many have substance abuse problems and lack important job and literacy 

skills. Many of these men and women have dysfunctional support systems and have had 

little or no contact with their nuclear families. Research has consistently shown that 

positive relationships are critical to successful reentry. In short, the 

absence of positive relationships and support services portend relapse into patterns of 

drug use and criminal behavior that will lead to reincarceration. 

What is CSOSA’s Re-Entry Vision?

CSOSA seeks to assist Previously Incarcerated Persons (PIPs) in the transition from 

incarceration to “freedom.” Through the provision of effective supervision and support 

services, CSOSA seeks to help these individuals become law abiding, productive 

members of the community. CSOSA’s goal is to enhance public safety through effective 

supervision and successful re-entry. Therefore, CSOSA has designated three clusters 

within the city to provide mentoring, resources, and services to offenders on 

supervision in partnership with faith-based institutions. Each cluster has a Cluster 

Coordinator and an Outreach Coordinator. 

What is the Faith-Based Mentoring Initiative?

The Faith-Based Mentoring Initiative links re-entering men and women with concerned 

members of the faith community who offer support, guidance and assistance during the 

various phases of re-entry. During the transition from prison to neighborhood, PIPs can 

be overwhelmed by problems, both large and small. Mentors work with CSOs to assist 

mentees in solving these problems. Most importantly, mentors provide individual support 

and guidance. They facilitate the returning individual’s connection to, and acceptance 

by, the caring community of a faith institution. In short, they help to bridge the gap 

between prison and community by welcoming men and women home and helping them 

start a new life. Mentors and Outreach Coordinators for the FBI also provide information 

on community resources and assist with referrals and placements. Many returning 

offenders need help with housing, family reunification, pro-social skills, job and 

interview skills, and relapse prevention. The FBI responds to these needs. 
Who is eligible?

To be eligible, an offender must satisfy all of the following conditions: 

Six months or more remaining on supervision; 

Scores in the medium to high risk level on the CSOSA Screener; and 

Maintains compliance with the drug testing schedule (negative urine testing for the past 

three months; limited non-compliance may be considered on a case-by-case basis). 

Faith-Based Mentoring Initiative

Frequently Asked Questions 

The offender may have: 

Job retention difficulties; 

Unstable living arrangements; and/or 

Lack of family/social connection/support. 

Offenders are not eligible to participate if they are sex offenders; suffer from untreated or 

unstable mental health conditions; or present a pattern of violent felony convictions. 

CSOSA provides specialized and intense services to these offenders through the 

Community Supervision teams. 

How does an offender get a mentor? 

If the offender enters CSOSA supervision from prison, CSOSA’s Transitional 

Intervention for Parole Supervision (TIPS) and the general Community Supervision 

Officers (CSOs) develop an individualized pre-release plan. This plan is prepared in 

collaboration with Institutional Case Management staff 

approximately 30-120 days prior to the offender’s release. The plan will include referral 

for mentoring services if the offender meets the program eligibility criteria. If the 

offender is released from prison without a stay in a Residential Re-Entry Center (halfway 

house) or an approved release plan, the General Supervision CSO will evaluate the 

offender for mentoring services early in the supervision process, when 

the offender’s risk and needs are assessed. Probation cases also may be referred by 

General Supervision CSOs. The Mentoring Liaison Coordinator (MSLC) receives and 

reviews all referrals. If any referrals are found to be ineligible, they are returned to the 

CSO and may be scheduled for review with the supervisor. The MSLC, CSO, SCSO, and 

Cluster Coordinator review and discuss all eligible referrals; the MSLC then 

recommends a specific mentor based on mentor profiles maintained by the Cluster 

Coordinator. After the prospective mentee receives an orientation on the program, the 

mentor and mentee have their first meeting and begin the mentoring relationship. 
How does a mentee meet his/her mentor(s)?

Mentors and mentees meet for the first time at a Family Support Meeting. The mentee’s 

family members or significant other(s) are invited to this meeting. The meeting is 

arranged within the first few weeks of the PIP’s return to the District of Columbia. 

Following this initial meeting, the PIP and mentor(s) will communicate monthly, and 

probably more frequently. Two weeks prior to release from the halfway house, a 

discharge staffing will be held. The TIPS CSO, General Supervision CSO, the mentor 

group and the mentee will review and discuss the initial supervision plan. At that point, 

the PIP will set up an initial post-release meeting with his/her mentor(s). 

How often, and where, will the mentee meet his/her 

mentor(s)?

Mentors are required to meet with mentees for at least two (2) hours per week for six 

months. Meetings are held in public places (faith institutions, CSOSA events and 

facilities). Mentor monthly reports and staffings with the CSO are required to maintain 

accountability and continuity. Mentors also meet monthly to share resources and 

experiences and develop the Cluster’s resources. 

How long does mentoring last?

Mentors have been asked to make at least a six-month commitment. 

What kind of activities will the mentor and mentee do 

together?

That is largely up to the mentee and the mentor(s). The relationship may center on a 

specific issue such as employment or may be more general, providing the mentee with 

someone with whom s/he can talk. During the early meetings, the mentee and the 

mentor(s) will discuss how mentoring can be most helpful. The mentee may be invited to 

attend social or entertainment events with the mentor(s). Mentors do not lend or give 

money or significant gifts. While the mentor may offer to help with a 

transportation need or accompany the mentee to an appointment or interview, s/he is also 

free to decline to do so. The mentor is available to support the mentee 

What happens if the mentee and mentor do not get along?

Not every mentor/mentee relationship will result in a friendship. In fact, the mentee often 

may not want to hear what the mentors have to say. However, the mentors are available 

to support the mentee in responsible, crime-free behavior. Mentors are there to help the 

mentee make the right choices and point out the wrong ones. It is less important that 
mentees like their mentor as a friend than it is that mentees respect and learn from the 

mentors. CSOSA recognizes that occasionally a matching will not work out. A conflict 

may emerge. In that case the CSO and faith institution coordinator will work with the 

mentee and mentor(s) to determine if the matter can be resolved or another match would 

be more beneficial. 

Does the mentor meet the mentee’s family?

At the initial family support meeting, the mentor will meet the important people in the 

mentee’s life. Subsequently, the extent of interaction is largely up to the mentee and the 

mentor. Mentees may or may not find it helpful to use the mentor as a sounding board or 

intermediary in some family issues. Mentees and mentors should discuss what works best 

for them and keep the CSO informed. 

Does having a mentor mean that the mentee must attend 

church? 

Mentors are active members of faith institutions and believe strongly in the value of 

spiritual connection and ministry. By agreeing to participate in the Initiative, the mentee 

agrees to respect the mentors’ religious beliefs and values. Mentors will probably invite 

the mentee to attend religious services and related activities. Mentees are free to decline 

such invitations. 

What is the relationship of the mentor with the CSO?

The mentor(s) and the CSO will have regular contact. In addition, the mentor is aware of 

the conditions of the mentees’ release. The mentor is obligated to report any violation of 

those conditions to the cognizant CSO. The mentor is also aware of confidentiality 

requirements and will not divulge any confidential to inappropriate persons 

For More Information Contact:

Chris Keels

Mentoring Liaison Services 

Court Services and Offender Supervision

Agency

300 Indiana Avenue NW, Suite 2121

Washington, D. C. 20001

202- 345-4494
202-585-7305 (fax)

christine.keels@csosa.gov

Revised 9/24/08