Enroll a Child

Having a Big Brother or Big Sister is an exciting experience for a child. Bigs and Littles share everyday activities. They play sports, watch movies, cook, visit museums, wash the car, volunteer in their communities, or just hang out together.

Experts agree that, besides their parents, children need additional supportive, caring adults in their lives. National studies have found that children with mentors have higher self-esteem and self-confidence and are more likely to develop better relationships with peers and adults.

About the Process

It is not unusual to wait three to 12 months while our agency identifies a potential volunteer. Without disclosing identities, a case manager will share background information with the volunteer about the child and the child?s family. Once the volunteer agrees to the match, the case manager will contact the child?s parent or guardian to share background information about the volunteer.

The parent or guardian can then accept or decline the volunteer as a suitable match. If the guardian declines the volunteer, the case manager will continue the search. If the guardian accepts the match, the case manager will coordinate an appointment at the child?s home to introduce the volunteer to the child and the child?s family.

After the Match

A successful match requires the full support of the guardian, who should make sure that the child is prepared and on time for visits with his or her Big Brother or Big Sister. The case manager will call the guardian within two weeks after the introduction, and then once a month for the first year, unless it is decided that more contact is needed. After the first year, the case manager will contact the guardian on a quarterly basis to answer any questions and continue to support the match.

To request an application or ask a question about enrolling your child as a Little Brother or Little Sister, please contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at (608) 661-5437 or friends@bbbsmadison.org.