3. There is established in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development an At-Risk Youth Mentoring Program to be administered by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development pursuant to the provisions of this act. The commissioner shall consult with the Department of Human Services, the Department of Children and Families, and the Department of Education and other appropriate State agencies regarding the development, operation and administration of the program. The commissioner shall also consult with the Community Agencies Corporation of New Jersey and other public and private nonprofit organizations providing youth mentoring services. The program shall provide for the training of volunteer mentors through local collaborative partnerships between the school district, the educational foundation and other community based organizations and for the assignment of mentors to at-risk students enrolled within a participating school district. The program shall also provide for collaboration with public and private organizations that provide comprehensive health, employment, and social services to youth. The purpose of the program shall be to enable at-risk students to develop a relationship with a caring and responsible adult to provide the personal and emotional support necessary for school success and future successful functioning in society.

L.1999, c.279, s.3; amended 2006, c.47, s.182.