HOW IT WORKS

The order of the steps in the application and assessment process can vary from agency to agency, but the following is a general overview of the process. You, the volunteer applicant:

  • Completes an application with their local agency
  • Submits a vulnerable sector screen, criminal records 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!

We encourage you to review our Mentoring Programs and our FAQ page before proceeding with the inquiry.

Volunteer Information Package

MENTORING AND DEVELOPMENTAL RELATIONSHIPS

BBBS mentoring programs are grounded in intentional, purposeful, relationship building with youth. BBBS has recently adopted an evidence-based relationship building framework called the Developmental Relationships Framework. Developmental relationships are close connections through which young people discover who they are, cultivate abilities to shape their own lives, and learn how to engage with and contribute to the world around them. Five key elements shape a developmental relationship into impactful, powerful experiences for youth. BBBSC has adopted this framework to train, evaluate and support mentors while they build and sustain personalized, intentional and critical relationships with youth by Expressing Care, Challenging Growth, Providing Support, Sharing Power and Expanding Possibilities.

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORM

Please provide your basic information and we will forward it to the agency for follow up