We want to provide caring mentors to as many children as possible. In order to be a part of our program, children must be:

• Between the ages of 7 and 13 when their application is received

• A resident of Will County or Grundy County.

Finding the Best Big

We are painstakingly careful to select volunteers who will be safe and trustworthy role models to children. We do extensive finger-print criminal background checks and search driving and sex offender records. Our professional staff interviews each volunteer and requires them to provide three references from people who know them well. 

Once a potential Big has been selected for your child, we discuss him/her with you. You and your child then tell us whether you’d like to go ahead with the specific match.

Role of Parents and Guardian

Parents and 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 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.

Your child's safety is very important to us.

Big Brothers Big Sisters conducts a thorough background check on every volunteer in our mentoring programs and every match is regularly reviewed by a professional trained match coordinator.

The safety and well-being of the children we serve is Big Brothers Big Sisters' highest priority . 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 the following steps to be taken :

Each volunteer must complete a thorough screening process that includes :

• Completion of a formal written application

• A criminal history record check

• At least two 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 your 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. Our staff and your child’s Big, with your support, are committed to the healthy growth and development of your child.