Enroll a Child Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose Big Brothers Big Sisters?
We specialize in finding, screening and carefully matching caring adult volunteers ‘Bigs’ who want to make a positive difference in the lives of children who can benefit from having another trusted friend they can turn to as needed. Our matches’ friendships develop individually based on the interests of the Big and Little, with the support of our case management staff who check in regularly to see how the match is going and who are there to answer questions and provide advice. Typically, a child will spend time with a Big enjoying “low cost or no cost” activities such as playing board games, sports, enjoying free tickets to events, washing a car, going hiking, eating or just hanging out and laughing out loud. Together they decide what kinds of activities they want to do. Our staff provides suggestions and consult the parent or guardian if there are any questions or concerns, such as allergies or physical considerations, that the Big needs to be made aware of to ensure the safety of the Little during outings.
Who are the Big Brothers and Sisters?
Volunteers who are ultimately selected to become Big Brothers or Big Sisters are caring, responsible adults. Each volunteer is carefully screened and selected for each child based on shared interests and personalities.
Our volunteers are:
How old does a child have to be to be enrolled as a Little?
Children who are at least 6 years old and have not yet passed their 14th birthday can be enrolled in the Community-Based Program. The Faith-Based Program accepts young people up to age 17. Based on our history of match relationships, our findings indicate that youth enrolled within this age range are most likely to be successfully matched and benefit from our programs. Once matched, we continue to support matches for Littles up to 18 years of age or when they graduate high school. Eligible youth must complete the enrollment process prior to being considered for a match with a Big.
Do you enroll every child who applies?
No. As a non-profit working in the current economy, we have a limited supply of volunteers and resources and many more children enrolled than we are able to serve. We try to set realistic expectations with parents/guardians when they first contact us. We try very hard to match each child with a volunteer who has similar interests, but it can sometimes take several months depending upon the number of volunteers enrolled. In some cases we are not successful in making a match. We reserve the right to not enroll more children than we think we can match within two years. However, we want to help, and we will let the parent/guardian know if we think a child fits our program or if he or she would be better served elsewhere.
How does the matching process work?
As part of the enrollment and matching process, our case management staff meet with parents, children and volunteers to find out more about each person. Based upon the background, life experience, schedules, personalities and interests of both our volunteers and youth, we propose what we believe are the best match options. Only when the volunteer, parent AND child agree do we formally schedule a match meeting where the Big and Little and parent/guardian meet each other for the first time. At the match meeting, someone from our staff also attends to make the introductions, revisit the program’s guidelines and to answer questions. Once the match is made, one of our case management staff will check in frequently with the parent/guardian, the Little and the Big, particularly at the earliest stages of the match, to see how the friendship is developing and to offer ideas and opportunities and to provide one-to-one coaching/training as needed. This also provides a structured way of identifying challenges and strengthening the communication between the Big, the Little and the family and agency staff. Keeping in touch with agency staff throughout the match is one of the requirements of the program.
What’s in it for a child?
Having a Big for a year or more can have a significant impact, both short- and long-term. From the youth’s perspective, having a Big means that for a few hours a month, he or she experiences a different perspective and new opportunities. There’s someone else to call or e-mail when inevitable questions arise. The longer a match lasts, the more likely that it will help your child develop new ideas, habits and opportunities that can have a long-term impact on their future.
What’s in it for the volunteer?
Volunteers tell us that being a Big is one of the most rewarding experiences they’ve ever had. For a few hours a month they get to "be a kid again." Even better, by building a friendship with their Little, they feel they are making a big difference in the life of a child and in their local community
Who are the Bigs?
Our Bigs are at least 19 years of age and come from all walks of life. They are professionals, craftsmen, college students, etc. What they all have in common is that they want to be a Big Brother or Big Sister because they understand that no child can have enough caring adults in his or her life. Many Bigs want to repay the helping hand or mentor who assisted them when they were growing up.
How do I know if a child will get along with this stranger?
As part of the oldest and largest mentoring organization in the country, we have helped to create thousands of friendships, but each new match must spend time together getting to know each other. Before we introduce a volunteer, we first get to know the parent(s) and the child, so we can make the right match for the child. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lafayette matches a Little with a Big based on common interests and personalities. Since our Bigs are volunteers from all walks of life, we also make sure that the children we enroll in the program can benefit from the friendship of typical caring adults rather than specialists or youth development professionals. If we judge that a child cannot be well-served by a Big, we will suggest alternative services.
Do your volunteers know anything about kids?
Bigs are parents, grandparents, singles, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles – caring adults who want to make a difference for a child. Although they are generally not child development professionals, they all have access to our team of case managers—the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lafayette staff—to give helpful advice and encouragement if they need it.
How much is this going to cost me?
All programs are donor supported, so there are no costs to parents/guardians. The focus of the match should be on the Big and Little doing everyday things together. However, we do require that parents, Bigs and Littles each play a part in making a match successful. How can they do this? By returning phone calls and e-mails to the agency professionals in a timely manner as needed, by honoring meeting plans when they’re made and by commenting openly and honestly as each match develops.
When do Littles and Bigs meet?
In the Community- and Faith-Based Programs it’s up to the Big and Little to set a convenient time and place. Site-Based matches generally meet during weekday lunch periods or after school in the Y-Bigs program.
Do you make cross-gender matches, e.g. matching boys with women volunteers?
Most matches are same gender. In rare instances, a Big Sister may be matched with a 6 to 8 year old Little Brother.
Am I able to ask for a match with a child of any specific ethnicity, language or national origin?
Our goal is to make matches that provide a high-quality, long term experience. Although we do not discriminate, we try as best we can to take into account the preferences and interests of volunteers, youth and parents. The more specific preferences a parent/guardian, Big or Little has the longer it may take to find a successful match. That said, we celebrate and are very proud of the many wonderful cross-cultural matches we have.
What sort of background checks do you do on volunteers?
All volunteers and employees are subject to background checks including an extensive interview, criminal offender and sexual offender records checks and personal reference checks from at least three different sources.
Do any of your volunteers have criminal records?
Certain crimes automatically and permanently disqualify a volunteer applicant. In some instances an offense may not be an obstacle because it is minor or occurred long ago. If we decide to go forward, we always share the facts with the parent/guardian of a child we are considering for a potential match. The parent/guardian has the final say on whether or not a volunteer is a right match for their child.
Will you match youth living in temporary housing or expecting to be relocated?
Yes, as long as you continue living in Tippecanoe County for at least one year. This is because we want matches to last at least one year and longer if possible. This is most likely to happen if the Big lives within a reasonable distance from the Little’s home. When a match is interrupted by a move, it can be very disappointing for both the Big and the Little.
Does the child have to want a Big Brother or Big Sister to be accepted into the Big Brothers Big Sisters program?
Yes. In fairness to our volunteers and especially the children who want "Bigs," we want any child referred by a parent/guardian to know about the program and to be interested in being matched with a Big. Friendships can’t be forced if the participants aren’t open to the idea of being friends or when someone is participating against their will.
Can a child become a Little if the custodial parent or guardian does not agree?
No. All adults involved in the child’s life must support the idea of the child having a Big.
Do you need to have approval from both parents?
Yes, if both parents are engaged actively in the child’s life. Typically, we expect all adults involved in the child’s life to support their participation in the program as we are all looking out for a child’s well being. However, if the child’s biological parent is not involved, we do not require his/her support and approval but strongly encourage it and welcome the opportunity to provide them with information about our programs and answer any questions.
Can a child who has physical, emotional or developmental challenges be a Little?
The Big Brothers Big Sisters programs are based on the ability of a child and non-specialist volunteer (who is supported by our staff) to make effective connections that lead to a long lasting friendship. If a child has psychological or medical diagnoses or conditions, behavior issues, traumatic experiences, abuse or other challenges that have an impact on his/her behavior, it may not be possible to make a match that has good prospects for success. We want to help and may refer you to services better suited for your child.
Can more than one child from the same family be enrolled?
Yes.
We specialize in finding, screening and carefully matching caring adult volunteers ‘Bigs’ who want to make a positive difference in the lives of children who can benefit from having another trusted friend they can turn to as needed. Our matches’ friendships develop individually based on the interests of the Big and Little, with the support of our case management staff who check in regularly to see how the match is going and who are there to answer questions and provide advice. Typically, a child will spend time with a Big enjoying “low cost or no cost” activities such as playing board games, sports, enjoying free tickets to events, washing a car, going hiking, eating or just hanging out and laughing out loud. Together they decide what kinds of activities they want to do. Our staff provides suggestions and consult the parent or guardian if there are any questions or concerns, such as allergies or physical considerations, that the Big needs to be made aware of to ensure the safety of the Little during outings.
Who are the Big Brothers and Sisters?
Volunteers who are ultimately selected to become Big Brothers or Big Sisters are caring, responsible adults. Each volunteer is carefully screened and selected for each child based on shared interests and personalities.
Our volunteers are:
- Doctors, mechanics, architects, house painters, lawyers, retirees, students, teachers and more
- From 19 to 90 years old
- Single, married, divorced or widowed
- Thoroughly screened by our professional staff through:
- A nationwide criminal background check including a Sexual Offender Registry check.
- A thorough, one-to-one interview.
- Three or more personal and professional reference checks.
How old does a child have to be to be enrolled as a Little?
Children who are at least 6 years old and have not yet passed their 14th birthday can be enrolled in the Community-Based Program. The Faith-Based Program accepts young people up to age 17. Based on our history of match relationships, our findings indicate that youth enrolled within this age range are most likely to be successfully matched and benefit from our programs. Once matched, we continue to support matches for Littles up to 18 years of age or when they graduate high school. Eligible youth must complete the enrollment process prior to being considered for a match with a Big.
Do you enroll every child who applies?
No. As a non-profit working in the current economy, we have a limited supply of volunteers and resources and many more children enrolled than we are able to serve. We try to set realistic expectations with parents/guardians when they first contact us. We try very hard to match each child with a volunteer who has similar interests, but it can sometimes take several months depending upon the number of volunteers enrolled. In some cases we are not successful in making a match. We reserve the right to not enroll more children than we think we can match within two years. However, we want to help, and we will let the parent/guardian know if we think a child fits our program or if he or she would be better served elsewhere.
How does the matching process work?
As part of the enrollment and matching process, our case management staff meet with parents, children and volunteers to find out more about each person. Based upon the background, life experience, schedules, personalities and interests of both our volunteers and youth, we propose what we believe are the best match options. Only when the volunteer, parent AND child agree do we formally schedule a match meeting where the Big and Little and parent/guardian meet each other for the first time. At the match meeting, someone from our staff also attends to make the introductions, revisit the program’s guidelines and to answer questions. Once the match is made, one of our case management staff will check in frequently with the parent/guardian, the Little and the Big, particularly at the earliest stages of the match, to see how the friendship is developing and to offer ideas and opportunities and to provide one-to-one coaching/training as needed. This also provides a structured way of identifying challenges and strengthening the communication between the Big, the Little and the family and agency staff. Keeping in touch with agency staff throughout the match is one of the requirements of the program.
What’s in it for a child?
Having a Big for a year or more can have a significant impact, both short- and long-term. From the youth’s perspective, having a Big means that for a few hours a month, he or she experiences a different perspective and new opportunities. There’s someone else to call or e-mail when inevitable questions arise. The longer a match lasts, the more likely that it will help your child develop new ideas, habits and opportunities that can have a long-term impact on their future.
What’s in it for the volunteer?
Volunteers tell us that being a Big is one of the most rewarding experiences they’ve ever had. For a few hours a month they get to "be a kid again." Even better, by building a friendship with their Little, they feel they are making a big difference in the life of a child and in their local community
Who are the Bigs?
Our Bigs are at least 19 years of age and come from all walks of life. They are professionals, craftsmen, college students, etc. What they all have in common is that they want to be a Big Brother or Big Sister because they understand that no child can have enough caring adults in his or her life. Many Bigs want to repay the helping hand or mentor who assisted them when they were growing up.
How do I know if a child will get along with this stranger?
As part of the oldest and largest mentoring organization in the country, we have helped to create thousands of friendships, but each new match must spend time together getting to know each other. Before we introduce a volunteer, we first get to know the parent(s) and the child, so we can make the right match for the child. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lafayette matches a Little with a Big based on common interests and personalities. Since our Bigs are volunteers from all walks of life, we also make sure that the children we enroll in the program can benefit from the friendship of typical caring adults rather than specialists or youth development professionals. If we judge that a child cannot be well-served by a Big, we will suggest alternative services.
Do your volunteers know anything about kids?
Bigs are parents, grandparents, singles, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles – caring adults who want to make a difference for a child. Although they are generally not child development professionals, they all have access to our team of case managers—the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lafayette staff—to give helpful advice and encouragement if they need it.
How much is this going to cost me?
All programs are donor supported, so there are no costs to parents/guardians. The focus of the match should be on the Big and Little doing everyday things together. However, we do require that parents, Bigs and Littles each play a part in making a match successful. How can they do this? By returning phone calls and e-mails to the agency professionals in a timely manner as needed, by honoring meeting plans when they’re made and by commenting openly and honestly as each match develops.
When do Littles and Bigs meet?
In the Community- and Faith-Based Programs it’s up to the Big and Little to set a convenient time and place. Site-Based matches generally meet during weekday lunch periods or after school in the Y-Bigs program.
Do you make cross-gender matches, e.g. matching boys with women volunteers?
Most matches are same gender. In rare instances, a Big Sister may be matched with a 6 to 8 year old Little Brother.
Am I able to ask for a match with a child of any specific ethnicity, language or national origin?
Our goal is to make matches that provide a high-quality, long term experience. Although we do not discriminate, we try as best we can to take into account the preferences and interests of volunteers, youth and parents. The more specific preferences a parent/guardian, Big or Little has the longer it may take to find a successful match. That said, we celebrate and are very proud of the many wonderful cross-cultural matches we have.
What sort of background checks do you do on volunteers?
All volunteers and employees are subject to background checks including an extensive interview, criminal offender and sexual offender records checks and personal reference checks from at least three different sources.
Do any of your volunteers have criminal records?
Certain crimes automatically and permanently disqualify a volunteer applicant. In some instances an offense may not be an obstacle because it is minor or occurred long ago. If we decide to go forward, we always share the facts with the parent/guardian of a child we are considering for a potential match. The parent/guardian has the final say on whether or not a volunteer is a right match for their child.
Will you match youth living in temporary housing or expecting to be relocated?
Yes, as long as you continue living in Tippecanoe County for at least one year. This is because we want matches to last at least one year and longer if possible. This is most likely to happen if the Big lives within a reasonable distance from the Little’s home. When a match is interrupted by a move, it can be very disappointing for both the Big and the Little.
Does the child have to want a Big Brother or Big Sister to be accepted into the Big Brothers Big Sisters program?
Yes. In fairness to our volunteers and especially the children who want "Bigs," we want any child referred by a parent/guardian to know about the program and to be interested in being matched with a Big. Friendships can’t be forced if the participants aren’t open to the idea of being friends or when someone is participating against their will.
Can a child become a Little if the custodial parent or guardian does not agree?
No. All adults involved in the child’s life must support the idea of the child having a Big.
Do you need to have approval from both parents?
Yes, if both parents are engaged actively in the child’s life. Typically, we expect all adults involved in the child’s life to support their participation in the program as we are all looking out for a child’s well being. However, if the child’s biological parent is not involved, we do not require his/her support and approval but strongly encourage it and welcome the opportunity to provide them with information about our programs and answer any questions.
Can a child who has physical, emotional or developmental challenges be a Little?
The Big Brothers Big Sisters programs are based on the ability of a child and non-specialist volunteer (who is supported by our staff) to make effective connections that lead to a long lasting friendship. If a child has psychological or medical diagnoses or conditions, behavior issues, traumatic experiences, abuse or other challenges that have an impact on his/her behavior, it may not be possible to make a match that has good prospects for success. We want to help and may refer you to services better suited for your child.
Can more than one child from the same family be enrolled?
Yes.
