What are the parents’ roles in Community-Based Mentoring?

Inquiries - Inquiries to the program come in various forms – in person, telephone, e-mail, web-based, etc.  Brief information will be given to the parent about the agency/programs, expectations, and the application/enrollment procedures.  If deemed eligible, an application will be given and requested to be returned to the agency within two weeks.  Once an application is received, the Mentoring Coordinator will then contact the family to continue the enrollment process.

Orientation/Training - Once a completed application and any other requested information is received, and the child is still determined eligible, an orientation/training session will be completed over the telephone with the parent.  This session will include a more in-depth explanation of the agency/programs and expectations of being involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters.  Key agency/BBBSA requirements, including match support, goal setting, and outcome/survey participation will also be stressed during the orientation/training.

Interview/Home Visit - After the orientation/pre-match training session is completed, an interview/home visit is scheduled.  The Mentoring Coordinator will collect all requested information and have the parent/guardian and child complete required paperwork and interview questions, including required baseline child outcome information.  While in the home, the Mentoring Coordinator will conduct a brief walk-through/assessment of the child’s living situation to gain more insight on the child’s needs. 

What are the parents’ roles in School-Based Mentoring?

Inquiries - Inquiries to the program come in various forms – in person, telephone, e-mail, web-based, etc.  Brief information will be given to the parent about the agency/programs and expectations.  If deemed eligible, an application will be given and requested to be returned to the agency within two weeks.  Once an application is received, the Mentoring Coordinator will then contact the elementary school to continue the enrollment process with the child. 

Orientation/Training - Once a completed application and any other requested information is received, and the child is still determined eligible, an in-person orientation/pre-match training and interview will be completed with the child.  This session will include an explanation of the program and expectations of being involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters.  Key agency/BBBSA requirements, including match support, goal setting, and outcome/survey participation will also be discussed.  The Mentoring Coordinator will have the child complete required paperwork and interview questions, including required baseline child outcome information.

Are all children who apply accepted into BBBSLR?

Once all prior enrollment steps are completed, the Mentoring Coorindator will then complete an assessment, make a final determination if the child is appropriate for involvement, and share this information with the Executive Director for approval.  The family is notified of the agency’s decision to accept the child into the program or not.  All children who are accepted but cannot be matched immediately are placed on a waiting list and will be contacted at least quarterly by the Mentoring Coordinator for match status updates and to confirm interest in the program. 

How are volunteers screened?

• Volunteers must be willing to complete the BBBSLR application/orientation/pre-match training process in its entirety.

• Volunteers must be willing to maintain regular contact with the agency, communicate any issues they may have with the match, and complete all other information as required by BBBSLR to maintain compliance with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. 

• A minimum of three character references (two for School-Based Mentoring) must be submitted and may be in writing or through telephone contact.  One shall be work-related, and the other two shall be from persons other than family members.  Any negative reference may rule out an individual’s participation as a Big Brother/Big Sister.

• There are background checks that are required by BBBSLR – Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check, Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, FBI Clearance and Department of Motor Vehicle History Check (Community-Based Only).  If any is returned with any records or concerns, the Mentoring Coordinator will discuss the issue with the Executive Director.  Further background checks may be completed if determined necessary and with applicant permission.