How can I apply to have my child be considered as a Little Brother/Little Sister?
Applying to be a Little Brother or Little Sister is simple – if you are interested, you can start the application process at any time.
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Complete this online application. Once you click "submit," please complete the "Additional Information Form" to speed up the application process. Please complete as many fields as possible.
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You can also print and complete this application form and return it by mail, e-mail or fax.
Upon receipt of your application, a BBBSLR staff person will contact you so you can learn more about the agency and get any questions answered. Or, if you have immediate questions, you can contact BBBSLR anytime – 724-837-6198, 724-439-8055, or mail@bbbslr.org.
Who are the Littles?
BBBSLR does not discriminate against any religion, race, color, marital status, creed, national origin, disability, or gender of a child.
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The child must reside in Westmoreland or Fayette Counties.
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The child must be between the ages of 6-14. Applicants who are 15-17 will be considered at the discretion of the case manager.
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The need for additional support for an adult volunteer must be shown – the child residing in a single-parent home (or paramour of parent is also in home), one or both parents dealing with disability or illness, and/or a major stressor in the home/family life situation.
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The child and parent/guardian must be wiling to complete the BBBSLR application/orientation/training process in its entirety.
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The child and parent/guardian must be willing to make a one-year commitment to a match with the agency.
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The child and parent/guardian must be willing to attend any support/training workshops or meetings required by BBBSLR.
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The child and parent/guardian must be willing to maintain regular contact with the agency, communicate any issues they may have with the match, and complete all other information as required by BBBSLR to maintain compliance with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
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Referrals for a child’s acceptance may be considered by BBBSLR, but the above-listed criteria must apply.
What are the parents’ roles in Community-Based Mentoring?
Inquiries - Inquiries to the program come in various forms – in person, telephone, e-mail, web-based, etc. Brief information will be given to the parent about the agency/programs, expectations, and the application/enrollment procedures. If deemed eligible, an application will be given and requested to be returned to the agency within two weeks. Once an application is received, the case manager will then contact the family to continue the enrollment process.
Orientation/Training - Once a completed application and any other requested information is received, and the child is still determined eligible, an orientation/training session will be completed over the telephone with the parent. This session will include a more in-depth explanation of the agency/programs and expectations of being involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Key agency/BBBSA requirements, including match support, goal setting, and outcome/survey participation will also be stressed during the orientation/training.
Interview/Home Visit - After the orientation/training session is completed, an interview/home visit is scheduled. The case manager will collect all requested information and have the parent/guardian and child complete required paperwork and interview questions, including required baseline child outcome information. While in the home, the case manager will conduct a brief walk-through/assessment of the child’s living situation to gain more insight on the child’s needs.
What are the parents’ roles in School-Based Mentoring?
Inquiries - Inquiries to the program come in various forms – in person, telephone, e-mail, web-based, etc. Brief information will be given to the parent about the agency/programs and expectations. If deemed eligible, an application will be given and requested to be returned to the agency within two weeks. Once an application is received, the case manager will then contact the elementary school to continue the enrollment process with the child.
Orientation/Training - Once a completed application and any other requested information is received, and the child is still determined eligible, an in-person orientation/training and interview will be completed with the child. This session will include an explanation of the program and expectations of being involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Key agency/BBBSA requirements, including match support, goal setting, and outcome/survey participation will also be discussed. The case manager will have the child complete required paperwork and interview questions, including required baseline child outcome information.
Are all children who apply accepted into BBBSLR?
Once all prior enrollment steps are completed, the case manager will then complete an assessment, make a final determination if the child is appropriate for involvement, and share this information with the Executive Director for approval. The family is notified of the agency’s decision to accept the child into the program or not. All children who are accepted but cannot be matched immediately are placed on a waiting list and will be contacted at least quarterly by the case manager for match status updates and to confirm interest in the program.
How are volunteers screened?
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Volunteers must be willing to complete the BBBSLR application/orientation/training process in its entirety.
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Volunteers must be willing to maintain regular contact with the agency, communicate any issues they may have with the match, and complete all other information as required by BBBSLR to maintain compliance with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
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A minimum of three character references (two for School-Based Mentoring) must be submitted and may be in writing or through telephone contact. One shall be work-related, and the other two shall be from persons other than family members. Any negative reference may rule out an individual’s participation as a Big Brother/Big Sister.
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There are two background checks that are required by BBBSLR – Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check (completed online with applicant permission) and Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (completed through mail with applicant permission). If either is returned with any records or concerns, the case manager will discuss the issue with the Executive Director. Further background checks may be completed if determined necessary and with applicant permission.