Question 1

What are the requirements to be a Little?

Accepted Answer

Children ages 5-17 (Community Based and Site Based Plus Littles must be 7 years old)
Must live within our service area: 
Parent/guardian must complete online application process for child
Committed to meeting with Big 2-4 times per month (varies by program)
Panter/guardian and child must connect with Program Specialist monthly during the first year and quarterly after being matched
1 year commitment (varies by program)

Question 2

How is my child matched with a Big?

Accepted Answer

When our team completes the interview with you and your child, we will determine a potential match with a Big. When we think we've found a good match, we will schedule a call to present the Match to the big and to you and your child. We share non-identifying information about your child with the Big, and we'll share non-identifying information about the Big with you and your child in addition to our rationale for the match.
After sharing that information, both you and the Big are able to approve or reject the potential Match. If both you and the Big approve, our staff will set up a "Match Meeting" and introduce you and your child to the Big and get the Match started on getting to know each other. Our team of Program Specialists will provide ongoing support to you and your child.

Question 3

What happens after the application is completed?

Accepted Answer

Once submitted, we will review your application and determine if this program is the right fit for your child. If so, our Program team will reach out to schedule an interview with both you and your child; this can take place, at our office, in your home, or over Zoom. The purpose of the interview is to get to know you, your child, and your family better. You and your child will be asked personal questions during the interview, which is designed to obtain the information we need to make the best possible Match to ensure that your child's involvement in our program is as beneficial as possible.

Question 4

Where do Bigs come from?

Accepted Answer

Bigs come from communities all across our service area. They get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters because they believe in the power of mentoring and/or they are interested in gaining experience as a mentor.
Bigs also go through a screening process which includes an application, background check, reference checks, and an interview process to ensure they're a good fit for the program. Our team carefully considers all information obtained from each of these steps in determining if the person is suitable to be a Big.

Question 5

Is there anything else about the matching process I should know?

Accepted Answer

You are required to check in with your BBBS Program Specialist once per month during the first year of your child's match. (Check-ins become less frequent after the first year, but are still required). The Program Specialist will contact you to discuss how things are going and to address any questions or concerns you may have. The Program Specialist will also speak separately with your child to hear directly from them about their relationship with their Big.

Question 6

What benefits will my child receive from having a Big?

Accepted Answer

The most important benefit is that your child will have the support and encouragement of a caring adult mentor. This kind of support can lead to other benefits that are unique to your child and/or your child's relationship with their Big. These benefits might include more confidence, improved grades in school, better relationships with their peers or with family, healthier attitudes about risky behaviors like drugs/alcohol, and other benefits.
It's important to know that Bigs are not intended to be a substitute parent, babysitter, or counselor for your child, nor are they intended to be someone who spoils/buy things for your child. Big Brothers Big Sisters guidelines set strict boundaries about this, and our Bigs are required to abide by them.

Question 7

What would cause a Match to end, and what happens when a Match ends?

Accepted Answer

We work very hard to create and support Matches that last as long as possible for the benefit of Littles. But sometimes things happen - for example, sometimes Bigs or Littles and their families move to a different city or state outside of our service area. If your child's Big moves away, we will work to get your child re-matched with a new Big if that is what you and your child want. (If you and your child move away, we will put you in touch with the Big Brothers Big Sisters office nearest to you if you'd like.)
Rarely, despite the best efforts of everyone involved, the relationship between a Big and a Little just doesn't work. If, after allowing time for the relationship to develop and addressing any obstacles along the way, the relationship is clearly not going to be beneficial, we will work to re-match your child with a new Big if desired.
The best end to a Match is when the child ages out of our program, which usually means that they have experienced a long, supportive, and life-changing relationship with their Big. When a Little turns 18 or graduates from high school, their "official" match ends, but they can choose to stay in touch with their Big for as long as they'd like. Sometimes Bigs and Littles keep in touch for the rest of their lives!

EMPOWER YOUR CHILD'S POTENTIAL

About Youth Enrollment

Parents & Guardians: Partners in Every Match

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Frequently asked questions