It is important to make appropriate matches from the start.

The needs and interests of the young person are paramount in the matching process.

Research indicates the best predictor of a successful match is the mentor and mentee having shared interests.

Matching criteria may include:

• preferences and goals of the young person, mentor and their parent or guardian
• shared interests between the mentor and young person
• gender
• age
• language requirements
• preferences of program participants
• life experience
• mentor’s skills and expertise
• similarity in personalities and temperaments
• availability including compatibility of meeting times
• geographic closeness
• any special needs.

Sample match decision-making worksheet

This worksheet may help LDATs to record and make decisions about matching young people with appropriate mentors.

Learn more: Mentor match decision worksheet

Mentor match decision worksheet

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