Peer Mentor Program
What is the Peer Mentor Program?
Mentors play a special part in everyone’s lives. The Peer Mentor Program also strives to be a leader in developing a community of young disabled individuals. This network will provide peer-to-peer support, networking opportunities, and empowerment to inpatients and outpatients at Children’s Specialized Hospital.
Become A Peer Mentor
What is a Peer Mentor?
A peer mentor is someone who is able to assist staff in supporting patients cope with hospitalization. At Children's Specialized Hospital, a peer mentor may have had similar healthcare experiences and can provide a listening ear to those in dealing with similar scenarios.
Who can be a Peer Mentor?
Individuals between the ages of 16-26 years who have physical or medical conditions similar to the patient population served at Children’s Specialized Hospital. Mentor candidates must be either 2 years post-injury/illness onset/diagnosis or 6 months post-discharge from Children's Specialized Hospital's inpatient facility. Mentor candidates must be functioning age-appropriately in terms of education, self-care, social skills, and employment (where applicable.)
At this time, the peer mentor program is specific to the inpatient population at Children’s Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick.
Peer Mentor Role and Responsibilities
The responsibilities of a peer mentor may change depending on the patient and program needs. However, the mentor will often participate in group settings or one-on-one mentoring sessions. The mentor will receive instructions prior to each session as appropriate. Mentors will receive supervision from a designated staff member throughout their visit and have the opportunity to meet with staff following any patient interactions. Mentors are expected to respect confidentiality (inclusive of past patient experiences), model appropriate conflict skills, and be open-minded, tolerant, and patient.
For more information, please contact Christina Dellibovi at 732-258-7404 or email cdellibovi@childrens-specialized.org