The bond between risk factors and youth mentorship

Youth that are deemed at-risk to commit crime typically have experienced one or more factors that put them at risk. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the factors that put youth at greater risk of engaging in criminal behaviour. Then through the lens of Professor Travis Hirschi’s social bonding theory, examine existing research on the effectiveness of youth mentoring programs in building resiliency. Through the social bonding theory and the development of bonding elements, it is determined that youth mentorship programs that follow certain criteria can be effective in reducing risk factors among youth. With the research obtained, this thesis then compiles the criteria that contribute to an effective youth mentorship program, and forms a rubric.