Mentors over 18 years
(Teen Mentors under 18 yrs scroll down)
How The Volunteering Process Works
The order of the steps in the application and assessment process can vary from agency to agency, but the following is a general overview of the process. You, the volunteer applicant:
- Completes an application with their local agency
- Submits a vulnerable sector screen, criminal records check, and three or four references
- Participates in a one-to-one interview with a staff member at the Big Brothers Big Sisters agency
- Depending on the program, may be asked to participate in an assessment of their home environment
- Successfully completes an orientation and child safety training
- Is notified of their acceptance/non-acceptance
- If accepted as a volunteer mentor, signs an agreement of confidentiality
The Matching Process
Similar to the application and assessment process, the matching process can vary from agency to agency and from program to program, but in general:
- The caseworker, now familiar with the volunteer and the children and youth waiting to be matched, discusses a potential match with the volunteer, the child or youth, and, depending on the program, with the family
- The caseworker arranges for a meeting between the child or youth, the volunteer mentor, and often the parent or guardian
If everyone agrees, the match can begin!
Please Click Here To Fill Out A Volunteer Application
Teen Mentors under 18 years
How The Volunteering Process Works
The order of the steps in the application and assessment process can vary from agency to agency, but the following is a general overview of the process. You, the volunteer applicant:
- Teen Mentors must be currently enrolled in a High School in Peterborough City or County.
- Teen Mentors must be willing to spend 1 hour a week with a child for at one school year.
- Any teen mentor over the age of 18 must be able to provide the agency with a clean criminal record check.
- Any applicants with prior convictions will not be accepted into our programs.
A staff member will contact you to book an appointment for an in-office interview once you’ve completed the application.
During the interview, the Caseworker will ask you questions about yourself, such as school involvement, family, future goals/plans, interests and hobbies, and your preferences regarding the child you would like to be matched with.
The Matching Process
Similar to the application and assessment process, the matching process can vary from agency to agency and from program to program, but in general:
- The caseworker, now familiar with the teen mentor and the children waiting to be matched, discusses a potential match with the teen mentor
- You then meet in at the school of the child with your caseworker who will introduce you to the child and school staff.
- The Caseworker will check in with you during the course of your match to discuss the progress of the match.
- You may be required to come in to the office for meetings regarding your match.
If everyone agrees, the match can begin!