This chapter presents a clear review most relevant or influential information available on the role of the mentor in the life of the "at-risk" child. The goal of this chapter is to fully prepare the reader for an exploration of how significant the role of a single mentor can be for a child who is vulnerable to social, cultural, or environmental threats. Through a very selective review of the literature, this chapter can then move from exploring past evidence of the impact of a mentor upon a child and progress to addressing how this situation can be utilized for the benefit of at-risk children at large.