One-on-One Mentoring Model | Full Version
This policy manual is a general template for The Sharpening Project and is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and may change over time. In Tennessee, everyone is a mandatory reporter of suspected child abuse and neglect. All leaders, mentors, and volunteers must comply with Tennessee law and with any additional policies of the host church or partnering organization.
This document should be reviewed and approved by the host church leadership and legal counsel before implementation.
The Sharpening Project is a Christ-centered mentorship program. Every policy here exists to protect students, honor parents, safeguard mentors, and glorify God. Leaders agree to submit to both Scripture and civil authority in matters of safety, integrity, and care for minors.
These rules apply to all one-on-one mentoring meetings, all program-organized events, all digital communication under the banner of The Sharpening Project, and any informal hangouts connected to the mentor–student relationship.
If there is ever a conflict between convenience and safety, safety wins. If there is ever confusion between personal privacy and legal reporting, the law wins.
Parents always know: who their son is with, where the meeting is, when it starts and ends, and how the student is getting there and back. Leadership always has current contact information, signed forms and waivers, and a record of meetings and incidents.
Students do not carry heavy issues alone. Mentors do not handle crises alone. Leaders do not make high-risk decisions alone.
In Tennessee, everyone is a mandated reporter. Failure to report is a crime. Those who report in good faith are generally protected from civil or criminal liability.
1-877-237-0004
Tennessee Child Abuse Hotline — available 24/7
Online (non-emergency): apps.tn.gov/carat
Emergency / immediate danger: call 911 first.
After reporting to civil authorities, mentors must also notify the Program Director and Head Advisor and complete a written incident report within 24 hours. Reporting to internal leadership does not replace the legal duty to report to civil authorities.
All regular weekly meetings must be in a public place (park, coffee shop, restaurant, church common area), or in a private home only if parents have given explicit written consent AND at least one other responsible adult is present. No closed bedrooms, locked rooms, or isolated areas.
One meeting per week, minimum 2 hours. Meetings should stay within agreed time windows to respect family schedules.
No overnight events, trips, or stays without written approval from the Head Advisor and church leadership, plus specific trip policies. No alcohol, drugs, vaping, or illegal activity — if present, the meeting must end and be reported.
Assume every message could be read by parents and leadership. All communication must be respectful, appropriate, and Christ-honoring.
If a student asks for secrecy, mentors respond with:
Mentors and leaders are expected to live in a manner consistent with biblical Christian faith and avoid profanity, pornography use, drunkenness, drug use, or illegal activity. If a mentor is battling something affecting their ability to lead, they must disclose it to the Program Director or Head Advisor and step back if needed.
Mentors do not encourage secret relationships or give "tips" on dating or sexual behavior. If these topics arise: listen, point to Scripture and God's design, encourage talking with parents, and involve leadership if the situation seems unsafe.
These topics must be shared with program leadership (Program Director / Head Advisor / Mentor Coordinator) immediately:
If a student mentions self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or a desire to "not be here anymore," treat it seriously.
Stay calm, firm, and respectful. Do not shame or humiliate publicly. If serious (illegal substance, violent behavior, harassment): end the meeting if needed, then inform parents and leadership immediately.
Reports must include date and time, who was present, exact words or summary of what was disclosed, and actions taken. Stored securely and accessible only to Program Director, Head Advisor, and designated church leadership.
The Sharpening Project respects that parents are the primary spiritual and moral leaders of their children. Mentors do not undermine parents, do not encourage secrecy from parents, and encourage students to communicate honestly with their families. The program operates under the authority of the host church — church policies on child protection, background checks, and facility use are binding.
All mentors and leaders must attend a kickoff training covering these Rules & Protocols, mandatory reporting and Tennessee law, scenario role-plays, and program documentation and forms.
At least once per year: a refresher training on safety, reporting, and program values. Mentors are encouraged to regularly revisit this manual and ask questions if anything is unclear.
Every mentor and leader must sign an acknowledgment that they have read this manual in full, understand their legal duty as mandated reporters in Tennessee, and agree to follow these policies and submit to program and church leadership in matters of safety and conduct.
By signing below, I confirm I have read, understood, and agree to follow The Sharpening Project Rules & Protocols Manual in its entirety.