Frequently Asked Questions
1)What is the process to becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister?
Please see our Enrollment Process for an application overview or contact our office.
2) What is the minimum/maximum age for someone to volunteer?
A volunteer must be at least 16 years old with a drivers license & there is no age limit
to being a mentor.
3) How long does the screening process take in order to become a
Big Brother/Big Sister?
This typically is a three-week process, but can happen
sooner. This process is dependent upon the time in which an individual
inquires about our program and is actually matched with a Little
Brother/Little Sister. This also depends on how long it takes for a criminal
background check to be performed.
4) Do all volunteers get accepted?
This is based upon the results of the background check as well as discretion of the agency.
5) Why is there an abundance of paper work when enrolling in the Big
Brothers/Big Sisters Program?
This abundance of paper work is present not only to protect the volunteer, but also to protect the child. In gathering
information, our agency is able to make the best match in a healthy safe environment.
6) What is the age range of the children in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters
Program?
The children are eligible for enrollment from the age of 6 – 14.
7) How often each month should I see my Little Brother/Little Sister?
We recommend 3-5 hours per month or making contact at least once a week. This
contact is very flexible and can be made just by calling one another or participating in activities together.
8) How much money should I expect to spend?
This is at the volunteer’s discretion, but the spending of money isn’t expected. Please do not purchase
expensive gifts for your Little Brother/Little Sister.
9) What are the benefits for both children and adults participating in the
Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program?
Each develops a long lasting friendship. Children involved within this
program know they have someone who’s going to be there for them. This is a
rewarding experience for both parties.
10) How often should I meet with my Match Support Specialist?
Regular contact is maintained with the agency Match Support Specialist by
responding to calls or through our Monthly Reporting Page. Once a month contact
is recommended. However, the first month of the match requires weekly
contact.
11) Does your agency provide someone with whom I could speak with if the
match isn’t going well?
Please contact the agency Match Support Specialist if this occurs.
12) Are there any restrictions that your agency places on the activities
I do with my Little Brother/Little Sister?
This is up to the discretion of the parents. The only rule that our agency has is that there are no overnights
for the first six months of a match.
13) Are there any suggested activities that I should do with my Little
Brother/Little Sister?
Our agency suggests participating in activities in
which the little brother/little sister has interests. It’s helpful to plan
activities together in order to fulfill these interests. We also recommend
activities that both the volunteer and little brother/little sister can
participate. The agency offers activities throughout the year and we recommend
the matches attend.
14) If a problem occurs with the family, what should I do?
Please contact your Match Support Specialist or Executive Director immediately. As a
volunteer, it is not recommended that you take on family responsibilities.
15) Should I help my Little Brother/Little Sister with their
homework?
Yes, because this allows for one on one time for the volunteer and
the child to interact with each other.
16) Should I educate my Little Brother/Little Sister on certain topics
such as drugs and alcohol?
The parent will discuss with you what topics you can discuss with their child.
17) How can I ensure my child’s safety in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters
Program?
Each potential volunteer completes a screening process and is
responsible for maintaining contact with the agency once approved. The Match
Support Specialist maintains regular contact with the volunteer, the child, and
the parents as well as meets in person with all parties every three months.
18) How does a child qualify for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters
Program?
There are several ways that a child may qualify for enrollment in
Big Brothers Big Sisters. In order to determine eligibility please contact your
local Big Brothers Big Sisters agency.
19) Is the Big Brother/Big Sister a babysitter?
No. Please remember to make arrangements to have an adult present at the home when the volunteer brings
the little brother/little sister home.
20) Can siblings and or friends of my child participate in activities
provided by the volunteer?
Yes, but we strongly encourage one on one for at least half of your activities.
21) What should I do if something about the relationship concerns
me?
Please contact your Match Support Specialist immediately.
Please see our Enrollment Process for an application overview or contact our office.
2) What is the minimum/maximum age for someone to volunteer?
A volunteer must be at least 16 years old with a drivers license & there is no age limit
to being a mentor.
3) How long does the screening process take in order to become a
Big Brother/Big Sister?
This typically is a three-week process, but can happen
sooner. This process is dependent upon the time in which an individual
inquires about our program and is actually matched with a Little
Brother/Little Sister. This also depends on how long it takes for a criminal
background check to be performed.
4) Do all volunteers get accepted?
This is based upon the results of the background check as well as discretion of the agency.
5) Why is there an abundance of paper work when enrolling in the Big
Brothers/Big Sisters Program?
This abundance of paper work is present not only to protect the volunteer, but also to protect the child. In gathering
information, our agency is able to make the best match in a healthy safe environment.
6) What is the age range of the children in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters
Program?
The children are eligible for enrollment from the age of 6 – 14.
7) How often each month should I see my Little Brother/Little Sister?
We recommend 3-5 hours per month or making contact at least once a week. This
contact is very flexible and can be made just by calling one another or participating in activities together.
8) How much money should I expect to spend?
This is at the volunteer’s discretion, but the spending of money isn’t expected. Please do not purchase
expensive gifts for your Little Brother/Little Sister.
9) What are the benefits for both children and adults participating in the
Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program?
Each develops a long lasting friendship. Children involved within this
program know they have someone who’s going to be there for them. This is a
rewarding experience for both parties.
10) How often should I meet with my Match Support Specialist?
Regular contact is maintained with the agency Match Support Specialist by
responding to calls or through our Monthly Reporting Page. Once a month contact
is recommended. However, the first month of the match requires weekly
contact.
11) Does your agency provide someone with whom I could speak with if the
match isn’t going well?
Please contact the agency Match Support Specialist if this occurs.
12) Are there any restrictions that your agency places on the activities
I do with my Little Brother/Little Sister?
This is up to the discretion of the parents. The only rule that our agency has is that there are no overnights
for the first six months of a match.
13) Are there any suggested activities that I should do with my Little
Brother/Little Sister?
Our agency suggests participating in activities in
which the little brother/little sister has interests. It’s helpful to plan
activities together in order to fulfill these interests. We also recommend
activities that both the volunteer and little brother/little sister can
participate. The agency offers activities throughout the year and we recommend
the matches attend.
14) If a problem occurs with the family, what should I do?
Please contact your Match Support Specialist or Executive Director immediately. As a
volunteer, it is not recommended that you take on family responsibilities.
15) Should I help my Little Brother/Little Sister with their
homework?
Yes, because this allows for one on one time for the volunteer and
the child to interact with each other.
16) Should I educate my Little Brother/Little Sister on certain topics
such as drugs and alcohol?
The parent will discuss with you what topics you can discuss with their child.
17) How can I ensure my child’s safety in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters
Program?
Each potential volunteer completes a screening process and is
responsible for maintaining contact with the agency once approved. The Match
Support Specialist maintains regular contact with the volunteer, the child, and
the parents as well as meets in person with all parties every three months.
18) How does a child qualify for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters
Program?
There are several ways that a child may qualify for enrollment in
Big Brothers Big Sisters. In order to determine eligibility please contact your
local Big Brothers Big Sisters agency.
19) Is the Big Brother/Big Sister a babysitter?
No. Please remember to make arrangements to have an adult present at the home when the volunteer brings
the little brother/little sister home.
20) Can siblings and or friends of my child participate in activities
provided by the volunteer?
Yes, but we strongly encourage one on one for at least half of your activities.
21) What should I do if something about the relationship concerns
me?
Please contact your Match Support Specialist immediately.
