Referral process
What should I do if I think a child could benefit from a mentor?
Refer to Kids 'n Kinship!
What makes an appropriate referral?
- Is the child between the ages of 5 and 16 and does the child live/attend school in Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Rosemount or Lakeville?
- Is the child in need of additional adult support in the form of a friend? Kids 'n Kinship volunteers go through a screening and training process but are not professional social workers/counselors.
- Is the family willing to support a mentor for their child by submitting an application, having a home visit by Kids 'n Kinship staff, having the child ready and available on a weekly basis for a mentor to pick them up and connecting with the outreach staff of Kids 'n Kinship monthly to support and sustain the match?
- Has the family addressed or are they in the process of addressing needs that may be barriers to a long-term mentor relationship (such as having housing and a phone, counseling for family crisis such as recent deaths, physical and mental health or abuse situations)?
How do I refer?
- Contact: Ingrid Henry (School District 191, 192, & 194): 952-891-3885 or Rita Younger (School District 196 and additional areas): 651-686-0990
- You may make a referral to Kids 'n Kinship staff and we will send application/information to the family directly or we can send the materials to you if you prefer to present them.
- To download applications and information sheets click here
Kids 'n Kinship staff is here to serve children in need and will work with you regarding referrals or questions about a referral – you can call us for updated information on the Child Wait List or potential volunteers available. Thanks!
If you know a child that you are thinking about referring to our program, but are unsure due to the Childs special needs, give us a call and a staff person can help answer your questions.
Our Mission
Kids 'n Kinship's Mission is
to provide friendships to
children ages 5-16 who
are in need of
a positive role model
Kids 'n Kinship
14870 Granada Avenue #127
Apple Valley MN, 55124
952-892-6368