Mentor Desirable Qualities

Veteran Mentor Desirable Qualities:

  • Active listener
  • Empathetic
  • Encouraging and supportive
  • Positive military service
  • Tolerant and respectful of individual differences
  • Knowledge of community resources and services

Inquiry:  All inquiries about participating as a Veteran Mentor will be directed to the Mentor Coordinator, who will respond to any prospective mentor inquires.

Eligibility:  Each Veteran Mentor must meet the eligibility criteria as outlined in the “Veteran Mentor Requirements” section.  Extenuating circumstances may be reviewed at the discretion of the VC Mentor and Court Coordinator.

Knowledge of a Prospective Mentor’s Negative History:  Current Veteran Mentors with knowledge of any prospective mentor’s history or background that may jeopardize the integrity of the program, the VC, or the participants, must communicate this knowledge and/or concerns to the Mentor and Court Coordinator, or the Judge.

Screening:  Each prospective Veteran Mentor must complete a screening process.  The decision to accept or deny an applicant will be made by the VC Mentor and Court Coordinator, and the Judge.  Feedback regarding the prospective mentor’s denial may or may not be given.  The right to withhold or give feedback is solely at the discretion of the Mentor and, the VC Coordinator, and Judge.

The screening process includes the completion and review of the following:

  • Volunteer Application Form
  • Personal interview
  • Background check
  • Veterans Court Mentor Agreement form

Training:  All prospective mentors must complete the required initial training in order to be eligible to begin mentoring.  Training will include, but is not limited to:

  • Observation of several court sessions
  • Discussion of the experience of court observations

Unacceptable Behavior:  Unacceptable behaviors will not be tolerated while a Veteran Mentor is participating in the program.  Because of the direct impact a mentor has on a veteran participant, behaviors that are not aligned with the mission, vision, goals, and values of Veterans Court are unacceptable and prohibited. The determination of any such unacceptable behavior shall be in the sole discretion of the Judge or Court Coordinator.

Recognition and Awards:  All mentors will be recognized for their role in the Shelby County Veterans Court program.  The VC Mentor and Court Coordinator are responsible for planning and implementing recognition activities at least once per year.