The mentoring FAN: a conceptual model of attunement for youth development settings. Issue 3 (3rd July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gilkerson, Linda; Pryce, Julia
• Is Part Of: Journal of social work practice. Volume 35:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 315
• Page End: 330
• Publication Date: 2021-07-03
• Subjects: Attunement -- mentoring -- reflective practice -- youth development; Social service -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Social service -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Social service -- Book reviews -- Periodicals; 361.32
• DOI: 10.1080/02650533.2020.1768516
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-0533

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Although youth mentoring as a field has enjoyed significant growth over the last 20 years, a good percentage of mentor relationships end prematurely. Empirically informed models of training to support the mentoring relationship are limited. The purpose of this article is to introduce the concept of attunement in youth mentoring; describe the FAN framework for relationship-building and reflective practice in youth mentoring and apply the model to work within a mentoring agency serving youth through site-based programmes. The proposed framework prioritises reflective practice and theories of interpersonal communication to help build relational connection within the youth mentoring system. The article concludes with recommendations for more general application of the FAN to social work practice beyond youth mentoring, and its potential role in promoting social worker well-being.