Mentoring Children of Incarcerated Parent(s)
This unique partnership matches the traditional Big Brother Big Sister program with children whose parent(s) are incarcerated. As a Big in this program, your friendship can change the odds for a child, and bring special moments and memories to your own life. Children who have an incarcerated parent have a 70% chance of following the same path in life. As a Big in this program, you can show them a different way ~ just by being a friend. It doesn't mean being a perfect role model; it means being you and sharing the best part of yourself with a new friend.
The eligibility requirements and expectations are the same as the traditional Big Brother Big Sister program. To be a Big to a child who parent(s) is incarcerated, volunteers must be a resident of our service delivery area for at least 6 months and be at least 18 years of age. We require our volunteer to have a valid driver's license and proof of insurance. The volunteer is also required to provide three references that they have known for at least 2 years. Other eligibility requirements include: the volunteer must not have had a driving-alcohol/drug related conviction within the past three years; the volunteer must not have a misdemeanor or felony arrest matter pending or have been convicted of a misdemeanor in the last two years; the volunteer must not have been hospitalized or treated for substance related addiction or shown evidence of such an addiction in the last five years and a volunteer currently using illegal drugs will not be accepted. All information is held in strict confidence.
Each volunteer is thoroughly screened and interviewed by professional staff to be accepted into our program. Once accepted, the volunteer is matched with a child based on the parent/guardian and volunteer preferences, interests, and location. Professional staff provides support, guidance and activities throughout the match.
The responsibilities of a Big include but are not limited to:
- Seeing the child for a minimum of one year,
- Maintaining contact with the child, to plan activities and keep appointments,
- Maintaining regular contact with Big Brothers Big Sisters profession staff,
- Keeping the agency informed of changes in contact information and any major changes in life circumstances that might affect the match.
- Maintaining adequate insurance on your home and car that will cover the child in case of an accident.
- Trying to keep activities to low or no cost. Volunteers have no financial responsibilities toward the child or family and expenses incurred during an outing should be shared, depending on the individual financial situation.
Click here to complete an inquiry form. A staff member will contact you within 24 hours to answer any questions you may have and provide an application to be a Big.