Being a LITTLE is a BIG Deal
Thank you for your interest in enrolling your child with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Child Eligibility
Our Littles come from different backgrounds and have unique personalities, strengths and goals. What they have in common is that they are in circumstances where they can greatly benefit from having a mentor in their lives to offer support as they navigate adversity and work to achieve their goals.
As an organization our top priorities are safety and providing quality services. The enrollment process is designed so that we can get to know more about you and your child, while you learn more about our mentoring program. It begins with an application process, which is then followed by an in-person enrollment meeting. Our goal is to ensure that we can provide services that meet the needs of your child and your expectations as a parent/guardian. We also want to be confident that your child is interested and ready to be matched with a mentor.
We offer a variety of mentoring programs that serve school-aged children through young adulthood. (Learn more about Our Programs.)
How to Enroll Your Child
To learn more about our mentoring programs, discuss your child’s eligibility, or to check the status of an existing application, please apply online or call our Child Enrollment line at (716) 873-5833, option 3.
Child Safety
The safety and well-being of the children we serve is our highest priority at Big Brothers Big Sisters. We strive to achieve the highest quality possible in matching a child to a caring volunteer “Big,” and in providing ongoing professional support services to our children, parents, and volunteers.
To help ensure child safety, Big Brothers Big Sisters National Standards of Excellence require that each volunteer must complete a thorough screening process that includes:
- Completion of a formal written application
- A background check
- At least three references
- An in-person interview
- An assessment of their home environment (for Community-Based Mentoring)
- A professional assessment of their appropriateness to volunteer with a child
- An orientation and training process that outlines the individualized needs of the child, and provides information and resources on how to encourage your child’s healthy 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.”
With your support, our staff and your child’s “Big” are committed to the healthy growth and development of your child.
Parents as Partners
Parents/guardians are an integral part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters match at every step of the process. Not only will you provide information about your child’s strengths and needs, but you’ll also approve the selection of the Big Brother or Big Sister.
Once the match is made, parents and guardians remain closely involved in several key ways, including:
- Approving match activities and supporting your child’s involvement
- Asking your child questions about the match meetings, and reporting any concerns to the agency staff
- Regularly reporting back to the agency about your child’s progress and milestones in the match relationship (Big Brothers Big Sisters will contact you regularly, but we welcome your feedback at any time)
- 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
Become a Little
To learn more about our mentoring programs, discuss your child’s eligibility, or to check the status of an existing application, please apply online or call our Child Enrollment line at (716) 873-5833, option 3.