River Oak Center for Children: Family Partners and Youth Peer Mentor

When facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, it just helps to know that someone is in your corner. River Oak's Family Partners are adults who have had personal experience with the kinds of challenges faced by River Oak families and who are available as a resource to all parents and caregivers who have a child or youth receiving services. For River Oak's teen clients, a similar resource is available through a Youth Peer Mentor. The Youth Peer Mentor provides coaching and encouragement as teens turn their lives around.

Erica was 14 years old when she ran away from her foster home with her infant son. When the authorities found her, she was living in a trailer without adequate food, and her baby was taken away. She came to River Oak a deeply troubled teen who had experienced domestic violence, refused to go to school, and was heartbroken over the loss of her son. The Youth Peer Mentor worked with Erica to get her life back in control. Erica enrolled in parenting classes, received domestic violence counseling, and became a core member of River Oak's Youth In Focus group. Through this group, Erica gained self-confidence and learned she had excellent leadership skills. She helped to coordinate two special events for River Oak teens, and she consistently offers new ideas for future events. She has transitioned from non-public school to a mainstream school, has a positive attitude, and is now hopeful about her future. Her biggest triumph, however, was being reunited with her son!

A River Oak teen can request a Youth Peer Mentor at any time during his or her treatment. A Family Partner can be contacted at any time during a child's treatment by calling River Oak's main office number (916-609-5100) and requesting to speak with the Family Partner Supervisor, or by asking a clinical team member for the contact information of the Family Partner assigned to your child's specific program. A River Oak teen can request a Youth Peer Mentor at any time during his or her treatment. Family Partner and Youth Peer Mentor services are offered in collaboration with the Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services Division of Mental Health.