Enroll a Child
A positive role model can make a world of difference in a child’s life
Could Your Child use a Big?
For over 100 years we’ve been recruiting, screening, and supporting mentoring relationships that have changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of young people across the country. We serve Tippecanoe, White, Benton, Warren, Fountain and Montgomery counties in Indiana. Not in our area? Search for a different BBBS by zipcode.
You’ll See the Impact
A study for Big Brothers Big Sisters found that kids matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister:
- are more confident
- are more likely to steer clear of drugs and alcohol
- do better in school
- get along better with their family and friends
- feel better about themselves
Families as Partners
When it comes to the future of our children and the well-being of our communities, we’re all in this together. So it should come as no surprise that we need the parents and guardians of Littles to be involved every step of the way.
You will help us identify your child’s strengths, personality, and needs an give us insight as to what sort of Big Brother or Big Sister will make a strong match. After you’ve approved your child’s mentor, you will remain highly engaged in many ways including
- Approving and helping to coordinate activities and outings for your child and his or her Big
- Asking your child questions about those outings, and sharing what you learn with the agency staff
- Reporting your child’s progress and milestones to the agency on a regular basis (Big Brothers Big Sisters will contact you, but we welcome your feedback any time)
- Sharing with the agency about the relational development between your child and his or her Big
- Participating in training on child safety offered by Big Brothers Big Sisters staff, and communicating with your child about the training he or she receives.
Child Safety
Making the best possible match between a Little and Big will result in positive growth and development for both parties. But before we begin the matching process, we start by thoroughly screening potential Bigs.
Big Brothers Big Sisters National Standards of Excellence require each volunteer to complete an extensive screening process that includes:
- Completion of a formal written application
- Background and reference checks
- An in-person interview
- An orientation and training process that outlines the individualized needs of your child and provides information and resources on how to encourage your child’s development
Big Brothers Big Sisters also provides child safety tips to you and your child, and we welcome your questions and feedback. Throughout the life of the match, our professional staff will be in ongoing communication with you, your child, and your child’s Big. It’s the best way to build a strong relationship that will have the greatest impact on your child’s future success.
For more information about enrolling a child, please contact Stacia Kirkham, Enrollment Specialist, at info@bbbslaf.org or 765-446-2227.
