Safety firstThe safety of your child is your highest priority. It’s no different at Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Child Safety
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities makes child safety our priority. We have zero tolerance for abuse or exploitation of any kind. Big Brothers Big Sisters has designed our child protection systems in collaboration with experts including the Centers for Disease Control, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and the Nonprofit Risk-Management Center.
Our volunteers and staff undergo thorough screening and background checks. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ professional mentoring staff have ongoing and regular communication with volunteers, mentees and their families and are trained (and required) to immediately make law enforcement and child protective services authorities aware of any reports of abuse or exploitation.
We remain committed to improving children's odds for overcoming adversity, succeeding in school, breaking negative cycles and having higher self-esteem and aspirations. Safety and security are the foundation of the service we provide.
The integrity of our program is extremely important and to achieve the highest quality standards possible, we work to constantly review and strengthen our screening and background check systems as new best practices in the industry emerge.
Read our Child Safety Rules
The Screening and Matching Process
Making the best possible match between Little and Big is critical to the growth and development of a child. But before we begin the matching process, we start by thoroughly screening potential Bigs.
Big Brothers Big Sisters National Standards of Excellence mandate the following require each volunteer to complete an extensive screening process that includes:
• Completion of a formal written application
• Background check
• 3 -5 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
• An introductory meeting with all match parties where Big Brothers Big Sisters safety rules are reviewed and all parties sign an agreement to follow those rules
Other steps taken to protect the safety of children:
• Monthly follow up with parents or guardians, the Little Brother or Little Sister and the Big Brother and Big Sister during the first year of match
• Quarterly follow up with parents or guardians, the Little Brother or Little Sister and the Big Brother and Big Sister after the first year of match
• Continuous training of staff in best practices regarding child safety
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.
|
