Safety Within A Match

At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we believe that all children and youth deserve to live in a world that makes them feel cared for and protected. ​

We safeguard children.
What does that mean?
  • Our staff is actively and continuously trained in youth safety and protection, to stay up to date on trends, prevention, and risks.
  • Our staff closely monitors each stage of the match relationship, including the enrollment process, matching process, the duration of the match relationship (via detailed and thorough match support contacts*), and the match closure process.
  • Prior to matching (Enrollment):
    • All enrolling applicants are oriented and trained on our program policies, thoroughly interviewed, and screened for safety and to determine if they are an appropriate fit for the program. Additionally:
      • Bigs undergo nine (9) different criminal history checks.
      • Bigs must provide a minimum of three references, from various professional and personal relationships. 
  • During the match (Match Support*):
    • All matches are required to check in with a Match Support Specialist on a regular basis. All matches receive an assigned professionally-trained staff member who checks-in with them. At a minimum:
      • Matches that have been together under one year are contacted monthly.
      • Matches over one year are contacted quarterly.
      • A Match is always encouraged to call staff at any time with questions, concerns, or positive achievements. We love to hear from you!
    • Match Support Specialists administer surveys:
      • All matches are required to complete surveys. These surveys offer great feedback opportunities for you to let us know how you are doing, how the match is doing, and what we can do better to support you.
    • Contact with your Match Support Specialist provides:
      • Monitoring the safety of the match
      • Feedback and coaching for all match parties
      • Access to resources 
      • An individualized approach to problem solving​
Have a question or concern about your child or their match?
​*Page content developed, formatted, and created by Valerie DiGangi, MA, NCC and Marianna Strasz, MSSW* ​​