Could Your Child Use A Mentor?

It’s easy to become a Little (not to mention life-changing, fun, and free)! Big Brothers Big Sisters pairs youth (Littles) ages 5-14 with carefully-screened, caring, adult mentors (Bigs) who meet with them 2-4 times a month at school or in the community to have fun, and provide support and connection. 

As a guardian, you see the potential of your child better than anyone. By signing your child up for a positive mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters, you’re starting them down a path to an even brighter, more promising future.

Safety from the start

We get it. We’re parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and guardians too. That’s why child safety is our top priority.

Our safety commitment is simple: we do everything possible to keep your child safe. We have protection systems in place to keep your child safe. Our staff are trained in child safety. We ask parents and caregivers to partner with us in safety. Making the best possible match between a Little and a Big is important to the growth and development of a child. Before we begin the matching process, we start by thoroughly screening potential volunteer Bigs.

Big Brothers Big Sisters National Standards of Excellence require each volunteer to complete an extensive screening process that includes:

• Completion of a formal written application
• Background and reference checks
• An in-person interview
• An orientation and training process that outlines the individualized needs of your child and provides information and resources on how to encourage your child's development

Big Brothers Big Sisters also provides child safety tips to you and your child, and we welcome your questions and feedback. Throughout the match, our professional staff will be in ongoing communication with you, your child, and your child's Big. It’s the best way to build a strong relationship that will have the greatest impact on your child’s future success.

Role of a Little's Guardian

When it comes to our children's future and our communities' well-being, we’re all in this together. So it should come as no surprise that we need the guardians of Littles to be involved every step of the way, starting with the initial match.

Not only will you provide information about your child’s strengths, needs, and goals, but you’ll also approve the selection of their Big. Guardians, the child, and the mentor approve the match and then all parties keep in regular contact with their Match Support Specialist. Once the match is made, you remain closely involved in many ways, including:

• Approving activities and outings for your child and their Big
• Asking your child questions about those outings, and sharing what you learn with the agency staff
• Reporting your child’s progress and milestones to the agency regularly (Big Brothers Big Sisters will contact you, but we welcome your feedback any time)
• Participating in training on child safety offered by Big Brothers Big Sisters staff, and communicating with your child about the training they receive