M.A.Z.E Youth referral program

M.A.Z.E Youth Referral Program is designed to connect youth and families to the support, mentorship, and resources they need before challenges become crises. Through a simple referral process, youth who may be struggling with behavior, school, family conflict, peer pressure, emotional stress, court involvement, or lack of guidance can be connected to positive mentorship and community-based support.

Our program creates a safe pathway for schools, parents, churches, community leaders, and agencies to refer youth for help. Once referred, each young person can be assessed for their needs and connected to mentorship, accountability, encouragement, life skills, and appropriate resources.

The goal is not to judge youth, but to redirect them. Through mentorship and early intervention, our M.A.Z.E Youth Referral Program helps young people find stability, build confidence, make better decisions, and move toward a healthier future.

5 Core Values of the Youth Referral Program

Early Intervention — We believe youth should receive support before their challenges become crises.

Mentorship — We connect young people with positive guidance, accountability, and encouragement.

Restoration — We focus on helping youth rebuild confidence, stability, decision-making, and hope.

Community Partnership — We work with families, schools, churches, and community organizations to create a support system around each youth.

Purpose-Driven Support — We believe every young person has value, potential, and a future worth protecting.

4-Step Youth Referral Process

Step 1: Initial Conversation

Youth referrals help identify young people who need support early, connect them to positive mentorship, and provide guidance before challenges become bigger problems. They create a safe pathway for families, schools, churches, and community partners to help youth access resources, accountability, emotional support, and life skills. Most importantly, youth referrals give young people a chance to be redirected, encouraged, and surrounded by people who believe in their future.

Step 1: Initial Conversation

The process begins with a conversation between the youth, mentor, and parent, guardian, or parole/probation officer to understand the youth’s current needs, concerns, and goals.

Step 2: Mapping Consultation

A mapping consultation is completed to identify the youth’s challenges, support needs, strengths, and available community resources.

Step 3:Mapping Agreement

The youth and mentor review the plan together and complete a written agreement outlining expectations, goals, accountability, and next steps.

Step 4: Program Start Date

The youth officially begins the mentorship program with a minimum 6-month commitment. Progress is reviewed at the 6-month mark to determine continued support, adjustments, or next steps.

STRAP Court Initiative Referral

MAZE may refer eligible youth to the STRAP Court Initiative Program when a young person needs a more structured level of intervention, accountability, mentorship, and prevention support. This referral pathway is designed for youth who may be facing behavioral concerns, court involvement, probation/parole supervision, exploitation risks, or other challenges that require guided support beyond general mentorship.

The purpose of this referral is not to punish the youth, but to help redirect them through education, accountability, life skills, mentorship, and court-connected resources when appropriate. STRAP provides a more focused support system for youth who need help making safer decisions, rebuilding stability, and moving toward a healthier path.

All referrals to the STRAP Court Initiative must be approved by a parent, legal guardian, probation officer, or parole officer before the youth can be considered for program placement.

Note: Harris County Can Partake of This Service As Well