Closure

Eventually all mentoring relationships come to an official close. The challenge for mentoring programs is to aim for the achievement of match goals upon closure, and to ensure that the closure process is handled well.

Why do matches close?

Matches close for a whole variety of reasons:

• Automatic closure
  Some mentoring programs require that matches automatically close after a certain period of time, like when the young person reaches a certain age, or at the end of the school year in some school based mentoring programs.
• Practical reasons
  Moves, changes in time availability, and other practical concerns often necessitate match closure.
• Positive reasons
  Some matches close for very positive reasons, like when the young person has achieved certain goals or milestones.
• Irresolvable problems
  Matches close less frequently because of problems that cannot be solved, such as a lack of contact or follow-through by the mentor or mentee, incompatibilities, and inappropriate or abusive behavior.

Who closes the match?

The match participants often initiate closure themselves. In these cases, the mentor, mentee or parent usually contacts the match supervisor to discuss the possibility of closure, and once a firm decision has been made to officially end the match, a closure process will begin.

Sometimes match closure happens at the program's initiation. For instance, the program would end the relationship if match supervision has been unsuccessful in resolving difficulties in the match, or if inappropriate or abusive behavior has occurred. Your program should have criteria for deciding when a match should be closed, and processes for closing it.

How do you close the match well?

Match closure can be a difficult process for those involved. Unless it is handled sensitively, feelings of rejection or betrayal can result for the mentee, and a sense of futility or of being unappreciated could occur for the mentor. Have a look at some recommended processes to promote healthy match closure.

• Training
• Preparation time
• Final meetings and celebrations
• Future contact plans
• Closure interviews

Starting again

Some mentoring programs allow for rematching of mentees and/or mentors upon the closure of their matches. Rematching policies should clearly identify the circumstances in which rematching will be considered, and outline the rematching process. These policies should be applied consistently among rematch applicants.

You have now finished constructing your mentoring program using high quality components. You are ready for the next apprenticeship test … Ms. Mentor has returned.

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