Central Oregon Partnerships for Youth (COPY), a program of the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, is offering a class to prepare volunteers to become mentors for children with an incarcerated parent. It is estimated that, on any given day, 350 kids in Deschutes County are dealing with the disruptive effects of parental incarceration.

COPY aims to break this cycle by connecting these children with a safe and appropriate mentors. After initial training and background checks, volunteers are matched with a child who shares similar interests and activities and commits to spending a few hours a week for a minimum of one year.

This time is often spent going to community events, working on homework, attending art programs, participating in sports, or simply hanging out and talking.

The COPY program's spring class will be offered on Saturday, April 21. Upon completing the class and background checks, volunteers are able to be matched with a child living in their community. The COPY program serves children living throughout Deschutes County.
 
This six-hour class covers program policies, how to establish a mentor relationship, the impact incarceration has on families, and communication skills.