The Process

The Application and Assessment Process

The following is a general overview of the process. The volunteer applicant:

• Submits a written application to their local agency
• Submits a police record check and three or four references
• Participates in a one-to-one interview with a staff member at the Big Brothers Big Sisters agency
• Depending on the program, may be asked to participate in an assessment of their home environment
• Successfully completes an orientation and child safety training
• Is notified of their acceptance/non-acceptance
• If accepted as a volunteer mentor, signs an agreement of confidentiality

The Matching Process

Similar to the application and assessment process, the matching process can vary from agency to agency and from program to program, but in general:

• The caseworker, now familiar with the volunteer and the children and youth waiting to be matched, discusses a potential match with the volunteer, the child or youth, and, depending on the program, with the family
• The caseworker arranges for a meeting between the child or youth, the volunteer mentor, and often the parent or guardian
• If everyone agrees, the match can begin!