It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to call the agency if their child is not enjoying the outings or is constantly being disappointed.
It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to ensure that only the child that is matched with the volunteer participates in the outings (i.e. no siblings, no friends going on outings). The program is designed for one on one activities and attention.
It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to call the agency if there are any changes of address, phone number(s), school, or anything else the Mentoring Coordinator needs to know in order to support the match.
If the Mentoring Coordinator has been unable to contact the parent/guardian (family) for a period of two weeks, a letter will be sent advising the family they have two week to contact the agency. If the parent/guardian does not contact the agency following receipt of the letter, the match will be automatically closed on the date indicated on the letter.
The Big Brother/Sister is not to be used as a babysitter, entertainer, parent, or taxi driver. The parent should never ask for a drive or suggest activities that have a cost attached. If a problem is identified, the family will be advised. If the problem persists, the match will be automatically closed.
Parents/guardians are not to involve Big Brother/Sister in the discipline of the children; i.e.: by denying contact with the child. This can create problems in the match and can interrupt the consistency of the outings
Parents/guardians are not to involve Big Brother/Sister in the discipline of the children; i.e.: by denying contact with the child. This can create problems in the match and can interrupt the consistency of the outings
It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to inform Mentoring Coordinator if they cannot attended scheduled in person meetings (pre-match, or during the match). Frequent failure to inform agency of not being able to attend or simply not showing up can result in automatic closure of the match.
Sleepovers may occur after the first year of the match with permission and approval of the agency. Permission slips MUST be signed by parent and Big Brother/Sister PRIOR to the overnight taking place and submitted to the agency detailing the overnight plans. Overnight visits can be no more than three nights in a row, and can occur no more than four times a year. All overnight visits must take place within Canada.
Sleepovers ARE NOT ALLOWED in the first year. Parents are not to allow their children to have a sleepover even if they feel comfortable with the volunteer. This is a violation of our National Standards and can result in the automatic closure of the match.
We ask for the parent’s support in monitoring the child’s use of technology during the outings. Children should not bring IPods or video gaming devices during the activities. These rules are in place to help teach children the importance of using technology appropriately in social situations (sharing a picture, listening to music, answering an important phone call). We also want the child to benefit from the social aspect of having a Big.
Contact the Big Brother/Big Sister to cancel outings prior to pick up times if your child is unable to attend. Appropriate reasons for cancellation would be illness or a family emergency. Last minute plans with friends is not a sufficient reason; this will soon discourage the volunteer’s commitment.
Signature of Parent
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