Little Brother/Sisterbig Brother/Sister

MISSION STATEMENT

Application process chart

Little Brother/SisterBig Brother/Sister

Telephone call to AgencyTelephone Call to Agency

Send Application FormArrange for Orientation Meeting

And Receive Application

Releases SignedReferences and Checks

Obtain School ReportAttend Big Brother/Sister Sexual

Abuse Prevention Program

Little Brother/Sister OrientationInterview

Child and Parent Attend Sexual Screening Committee

Abuse Prevention Program

Child and Parent InterviewsDecision to Approve Volunteer

Decision to Accept Child Into

Program

Big Bunch Program (when offered)

Match Meeting

Counting time is not as

Important,

As making time count.

Do YOU Know About Big Brothers and Big Sisters?

We are an agency whose goal is to help in the development of young people like you, who are growing up in predominantly single-parent families; by finding an adult friend with whom you can share common interests; participate in different activities together and create a lasting friendship.

WHO IS A BIG?

• The Big is a volunteer who shares about 3 to 4 hours per week with his Little.
• A person withwhom the Little can talk, share interests they have in common, go for walks, create things according to their skills and knowledge, and have fun with. This person is not a substitute for a missing parent.
• The Big is 18 years of age or older.
• The Big is willing to make a commitment of at least one year to the program.
• The Big wants to be the FRIEND of a Little.
• The Big is not there to discipline.
• The Big is not there to be a taxi or Santa Claus.
• The Big has no financial responsibilities towards the Little.

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH YOUR BIG?

Don’t forget that you are just friends. With your Big, you can fly a kite, take a walk, visit your city and pretend to be tourists, listen to music, or just sit and talk. In other words, you will find things that you will want to do together.

For your protection and so you will know what sexual abuse is, the association has a program on “Child Sexual Abuse Prevention”. Read the next pages carefully; you will find golden rules to follow to protect yourself and prevent Sexual Abuse. This knowledge is important in many situations, i.e.strangers, family, etc. In order for it all to be really clear, discuss it with your parent. GOOD READING…

Do You Have Any Questions?

If so, you can contact us at: 264-1718 or meet us at our office situated at 35 Tamarack Street South, Timmins.

The Program Director or Caseworker are the persons who meet the people interested in the program. They supervise the progression of the relationship between the Big and the Little.

Definition of Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is when someone gives you the “no feeling” by touching the private parts of your body; breast, vagina, penis or bum, or makes you touch or look at those parts of your body.

RULES FOR LITTLES

1. You have the right to set limits on touching. If someone wants to touch you or wants you to touch them and it makes you feel uncomfortable – you can say NO.

2. If someone makes you feel strange or confused, you should tell an adult you trust what happened. Your “gut” feelings are very important and you should trust them.

3. No one has the right to threaten you or pressure you into doing something that hurts you.

4. If someone wants you to keep a secret and you feel confused or scared, it’s important to tell a trusted adult right away what has happened.

5. You never have to give information to someone if it puts you in danger. You don’t have to give directions to strangers, tell anyone if your parent isn’t home or accept presents from a stranger.

Always ask yourself before you go somewhere (even with people you know) – Do I feel ok about this?

Can I get help if I need it?

Does an adult I trust know where I am?

If you get even one (1) NO… DON’T GO!

6. If someone you know well, even if it’s family member, wants to look at or touch your private parts or wants you to look at or touch theirs, tell an adult what happened. Remember it’s never your fault and you won’t get into trouble.

7. If the first person you tell doesn’t believe you, tell someone else. Keep telling people until you get help.

Sexual assault can happen to anyone- boys, girls, younger children,teenagers and adults. It is as common in the country and in small towns as in a big city. To be safe, you have to be alert and know what to do if you are in a dangerous situation.

PS: The rules do not apply if you have a “No feeling” due to homework, household chores or keeping family curfew.

Will You be Safe With Your BIG

We take all the possible precautions for your safety and security during the match. The agency has strict rules concerning drugs, alcohol, the use of seat belts, etc. Participating in our Child Abuse Prevention Program is compulsory for the parent, the child and the Big. So you and your parent have a lot of good reasons to think you will be safe with your big.

Responsibilities of the Little

The Little should consult his/her parent before making plans with the big.

The Big and Little should tell the parent where they are going and when they should be back.

If the Little must cancel an activity, he/she or his/her parent must let the Big know ahead of time.

The Little and his/her family should be courteous toward and respect the Big.

The Little should ask his/her Big if he/she can call him/her up and should always be responsible.

In case of emergency, the Big should have a number (other then the parent’s) incase the parent can’t be reached.

The Little and his/her parents are encouraged to keep in touch with the office and not hesitate to call if they need advice or if problems should arise.

During outings, the Little is responsible to have his/her own money, if he/she needs it.

The Little should make suggestions for activities he/she would like to do with the Big.

Littles should talk to their Bigs and parent before calling the office to attend special events. Littles should also ask their Bigs to confer with staff.

Match Process

When we find the Big who we think is the person to be matched with you, we first contact your parent to give him/her certain information such as:

-his/her age

-his/her interest

-his/her personality

-his/her occupation

After the Match

Regular contact with the caseworker, by phone or in person, will be made with the parent, the child and the Big. During the first month, these follow-ups will be made every 2 weeks and every month afterwards, When the match has progressed, the follow-ups will be less frequent.

But never forget you can always contact us for whatever reason!

After the Big and Little meet and become “friends”, they are asked to keep in touch with the caseworker or executive director/program manager from the agency to evaluate the match. This person will offer the necessary support to ensure a good relationship.

Confidentiality

The information required during the meetings is used for match purposes only and remains confidential!

Are There Any Registration Fees?

No! Our program is offered free of charge. However, for certain special events the agency may attach a fee to cover expenses. If your financial situation so permits, the Big would certainly appreciate it if the child has some spending money to help share the cost.

Behavior That Might Not Be Appropriate

- Excessive contact

- Insisting on overnight visits early in the match

- Activities in the match always seem to be at the Big’s house to exclusion of other activities and what goes on is “vague”

- Keeping secrets

- Wrestling/tickling that is uncomfortable

- Extreme affection

- Taking pictures/videos regularly on outings

Behavior that is NOT Allowed

-Sleeping in the same bed or sleeping bag

-Taking showers together

-Nude swimming

-Sleeping without clothes

-Letting child see pornographic movies, magazines, etc.

Overnight visit policy

i)Overnight visits will not occur within the first year of a match;

ii)After a match has been successful for more than one year, overnight visits can occur with the written and signed consent of the parent and agency for each overnight. This consent must be included in the child’s file;

iii)Overnight visits must be restricted to no more than three nights in a row and not more that four times per year;

iv)Under no circumstance shall an overnight visit occur outside of Canada.

v)Overnight visits refer to one to one match outings

vi)Association overnight group outings are not considered one to one matches

This new standard is effective immediately. The main reason for the change has to do with insurance coverage. Our insurance carrier will no longer cover our volunteers for liability if these conditions are not met. Child safety is first and foremost here at The Porcupine Big Brothers Big Sisters Association. We know that we will receive your full cooperation regarding this matter.

Anyone planning overnights should contact us well in advance so the proper forms can be filled out. If you have any questions regarding this change, please contact me at any time and I would be happy to discuss them with you. Thanks!

Yours truly,

Gerald Morin

Program Manager