CDC, NIH studies: Mentoring is an evidence-based strategy for preventing youth violence in the community
Louisville, KY (September 9, 2024) — Marking 120 years of impactful mentoring programs this month, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana is highlighting research from the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that prove one thing: Mentoring is an evidence-based strategy for preventing youth violence.
· Research from the NIH has shown that the presence of a trusted adult role model can prevent youth violence and promote other positive behaviors. Relationships with caring adults, in addition to parents and caregivers, can also positively influence young people's behaviors and decrease their risk for involvement in crime and violence.
· The CDC’s “Best Practices of Youth Violence Prevention” has comprehensively reviewed studies evaluating youth violence prevention and concluded that youth mentoring strategies are among the approaches that offer the most promising results.
The outcomes of mentored youth (Littles) at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana certainly support this research. Last year, 96% of Littles reported no school disciplinary actions or bullying incidents, and 100% avoided involvement with police and the juvenile justice system, where the estimated annual cost of keeping one Kentucky child in a detention center is $196,735.
By contrast, the annual cost to support one match (Big and Little) at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana is approximately $2,900.
It is through these positive outcomes that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana and CEO Gary Friedman position themselves as subject matter experts on youth violence prevention.
“By providing guidance, support, and a positive role model, we can help young people navigate challenges and make choices that lead them away from violence,” said Friedman. “At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we know that investing in mentoring programs is not just about changing individual lives—it's about creating safer, stronger communities for everyone."
Youth violence is all too prevalent in BBBSKY’s service area. The latest Safer City by Design report from the Greater Louisville Project found there were 60 homicides among people ages 15-24 in 2021—up from 20 in 2018.
At a time when homicide is the third leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24 in the U.S., the need for volunteer mentors has never been more clear.
You can learn more about volunteering or supporting the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana by visiting bbbsky.org.