College/University Volunteer Application

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Welcome to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut!

Thank you for deciding to submit your application to become a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut! Each and every day, we seek dedicated and committed individuals like you who are eager to positively impact a child and improve their community at the same time. Thank you for answering the call and for being interested in volunteering for our program.

By becoming a Big with our agency, you're embarking on one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling things you’ll ever do. You have the opportunity to help shape a child’s future for the better by inspiring positive change and empowering them to achieve what they never dreamed possible. And the best part is, it’s a lot of fun! When completing this application you may stop and save your progress to return to application if you would like to.

Basic Requirements
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut requires all volunteers in our Site- and School-Based Mentoring Program to meet the following requirements:

  1. Be enrolled as a student in a partner institution of higher education. 
  2. Be able to commit to a relationship with a Little for at least 1 school year (10 months).
  3. Be able to commit to attending the BBBS of CT program one day a week for 60-90 minutes throughout the school year.
  4. Be able to commit to consistent communication with BBBS of CT staff in accordance with child safety policies.
  5. Be at least 18 years old and consent to a criminal history background check.


              Great!  Click 'Next Page' below to continue with your volunteer application.
              We're sorry to hear that!  Though it seems you're ineligible to volunteer with us, there are other ways to get involved. Follow us on social media, make a donation to support community change, sign up for our newsletter or advocate on our behalf through your networks to encourage others to get involved.
              Not sure? Please email shasityr@ctbigs.org to answer any questions!
              Non-Discrimination Policy

              Our participants come to us with a wide range of personal characteristics. We believe that participant eligibility shall be determined without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability. 

              Filling Out This Application
              If you need help or clarification when filling out this application, please contact your Program Specialist. If at any point you have technical difficulties, please contact shasityr@ctbigs.org. You may also call the office at 860-525-5437, option 2.
              Hidden Fields




              Basic Information




              input NA if none



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              Contact Information













              This is your permanent home address.





              This is your local address on or near your campus.








              College/University Information














              Additional Information







              Reference and Background Check























              Reference must be your family member (e.g., parent, sibling, cousin, partner).







              Minimum 5 years

              Reference must be one of the following:
              • Current or former supervisor, employee, or co-worker or someone from your school if you are a student; OR 
              • A friend or neighbor 







              Minimum 2 years
              I consent to and understand that:
              1. The references and youth-serving organization(s) I listed may be contacted by mail, telephone, email, or in person;
              2. The information I provided may be used to conduct a background check, to include a search of public domain records, driving records check, juvenile and adult criminal history check, military records, and other records where required by local, state, or federal law for volunteers working with youth;
              3. I am in no way obligated to perform any volunteer services;
              4. The BBBS agency is not obligated to match me with a youth and may deny my application or close my match at any time, and to protect all participants’ confidentiality, BBBS is not required to disclose reasons for doing so; 
              5. Other BBBS agencies and youth organizations where I have worked or volunteered may be contacted as references;
              6. As part of the enrollment processes, I will be required to provide additional personal information, including completion of an in-person or virtual interview;
              7. I understand that the information I provide in the enrollment process will be kept confidential, unless disclosure is required by law.  
              8. I understand that detailed accounts of child abuse or neglect, past or present, will be reported to proper authorities;
              9. I understand that certain relevant information about me will be discussed with the parent/guardian of a child who is a prospective match (this might include demographic information, information relevant to parent/child preferences, and any information relevant to a child’s safety or well-being);  
              10. It is my responsibility to update the agency if any of the information I provide on this application, in my interview, or any other information provided during the enrollment process changes (i.e. address, phone number, auto-insurance, new criminal charges, etc.)
              11. I agree to complete questionnaires throughout my time in the program to evaluate and improve program services;
              12. I agree to timely communication and follow-up with all agency staff as required by the agency.
              Pre-Interview Questionnaire









              Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut is concerned about the safety of its volunteers while serving, the safety of its constituents (staff, community, etc.), and the protection of its assets and reputation. To reduce these risks, prospective and current volunteers (as applicable at three year intervals) of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut will undergo a criminal and motor vehicle background checks that complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Volunteers are treated as applicants under the FCRA.

              Each criminal history record check consists of the following: public domain search, sex offender registry check, state, local and national criminal records repository search, and Social Security Number Verification.  Fingerprint screens may also be required, as applicable.   

               

              Volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut may be disqualified from initial or continuing service at the discretion of agency management. Disqualifying reasons include, but are not limited to:

               

              • Failure to complete the application and screening process;
              • History of sexual abuse of children;
              • Conviction for any crime in which children were involved;
              • History of any sexually exploitative behavior; 
              • Termination from a paid or volunteer position due to misconduct with a child;
              • History of violence or any sexually exploitative behavior, including acts against adults. 

              Child safety and youth protection is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut's top priority and we are always working to keep children safer.  


              The following policies are written in compliance with the Standards and Required Procedures for affiliated agencies of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and to ensure the safety and of delivery of quality services to the children we serve.  These policies are to be amended and revised as needed, to make certain the most current, methods are being utilized. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut reserves the right to inactivate or close any match at any time for any reason.

              • You will abide by all school/site rules and be responsible for your child obeying these rules.
              • Follow the directions of BBBS staff, School Liaisons, and local Site Managers.
              • During your match activity, the child is never to be left alone or in the care of another person.
              • Never give the child any type of medication; this includes over-the-counter medications. If the child has a prescription, and parental permission, let him/her administer their own medication.
              • Corporal punishment and verbal and/or emotionally abusive means of discipline are strictly forbidden.
              • Display or discussion of any materials of a sexual nature is prohibited, including but not limited to viewing pornography or sexually suggestive materials.
              • Drinking of any alcoholic beverage prior to a match activity is prohibited.
              • You will not transport the child in your car or visit the child outside of the school/site program.
              • You will not supply the child with, or ask the child for contact information including but not limited to: home, work or cell phone number, home address, or work address without prior approval from BBBS Site Program Coordinator.

              Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut fosters meaningful connections between youth and adults.  We understand that, for many of the young people we work with, social media provides a central way to communicate. However, communications between Littles and adults on social media present risk and, as such, safety is our number one priority in these interactions. 


              We expect all Bigs to minimize the risks of social media by adhering to the following social networking guidelines: 

              1. Please proceed thoughtfully when inviting or accepting an invitation from your Little to a social networking site. If you have any doubts, please contact your Match Support Specialist. 
              2. Do not participate in any online communication with/about your Little unless you have discussed this with the parent/guardian and Match Support Specialist and received their approval. 
              3. Never post any pictures of your Little online unless you have the written or verbal consent of the child's parent/guardian. 
              4. Never post the last name of your Little, their parent/guardian, or BBBS staff. 
              5. Never post any contact information for your Little. 
              6. Never post any identifying information about your Little (i.e., child's home address, school the child attends, where the parent works) 
              7. Never post anything that could be perceived as judgmental or offensive to your Little or their parent/guardian. 
              8. Make sure your page settings are set to private, so only people you approve can view your online content.  
              9. Honor confidentiality guidelines within your match; be cautious when posting detailed information about conversations with your Little, their parent/guardian, or BBBS staff. Posting generalized information or status updates is typically appropriate, but lengthier postings or blogs containing in-depth information should be approved by the parent/guardian and by BBBS prior to posting.
              10. Be aware of other postings on your page that are not BBBS related or are inappropriate for minors. Know that as a BBBS volunteer you are a role model at all times. Please ensure that all content is appropriate and kid-friendly, in case your Little or their family were to read your social networking page. If the social networking site allows, create a separate group for your Little, their parent/guardian, and BBBS staff that limits your Little's access to your general or universal postings. 
              11. When in doubt about whether something is appropriate to post, consult with your Match Support Specialist prior to posting. 
              12. You are required to report any instance social media misuse or content that may endanger the Little's health, safety, or well-being to your Match Support Specialist. 


              ACCESS TO CONFIDENTIAL RECORDS


              In order for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut to provide a responsible and professional service to clients, it is necessary for volunteers, clients and parents or guardians of clients to be asked to divulge extensive personal information about themselves and their families.  The agency respects the confidentiality of client and volunteer records and, with the exception of situations listed below, shares information about the clients and volunteers only among the appropriate agency staff.  The right to confidentiality applies not only to written records and conversations, but also to video, film, pictures or use of clients or volunteer’s name in agency publications.


              All records are considered the property of the agency and not that agency workers or clients or volunteers themselves.  In order to provide a service which is in the best interest of the children served by the program, information from outside sources, including confidential references must be assessed along with information gained from the client or volunteers themselves.  Records are not available for review by the clients or volunteers.  Clients and volunteers shall be provided at the time of application and staff at the time of hire, with a copy of this statement on confidentiality along with the exceptions, which define the limits of the confidentiality.  Staff, clients and volunteers shall sign a statement that he/she has read and understands the agency policy on confidentiality and agrees to follow the guidelines it sets forth.


              LIMITS OF CONFIDENTIALITY

              1. Information will be released to other individuals or organization only upon presentation of an authorized “Consent to release information” form appropriately signed by the client or volunteer.
              2. Identifying information regarding clients and volunteers may be used in agency publications or promotional material if the client or volunteer has given permission.
              3. For purposes of program evaluation, audit, or accreditation, and with the prior approval of the Board of Directors, certain outside bodies such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America may have access to client and volunteer records.  These outside organizations shall be required to respect the agency policy on confidentiality.  Outside parties shall be required to use information only for the purpose(s) stated in the approval action of the Board of Directors.  Known violators and appropriate disciplinary action shall be requested.
              4. A violation of the agency’s confidentiality policy by a staff member will be subject to disciplinary actions up to and including dismissal.
              5.  Members of the Board of Directors have access to client files only upon the authorization by formal motion of the Board of Directors.  The motion shall state who shall be authorized to review records, the specific purpose for such review and the period of time during which access shall be granted.  Members shall be required to comply with the agency policies on confidentiality and may use the information only for the purpose stated by the approved action of the Board of Directors.  Known violations shall be reported to the Board President.  A violation of the agency’s confidentiality policy by a Board member shall constitute adequate cause for removal from office.
              6. Information shall only be provided to law enforcement officials or the courts pursuant to a valid and enforceable subpoena.
              7. Information shall only be provided to an agency’s legal counsel in the event of litigation or potential litigation involving the agency.  Such information is considered privileged information, and its confidentiality is protected by law.
              8. State law mandates that suspected child abuse be reported to the Department of Children and Families or the police.  All workers are responsible for staying abreast of such reporting requirements of their respective jurisdiction and shall always comply with mandated procedures.
              9. If an agency worker receives information indicating that a client or volunteer may be dangerous to himself or herself or to others, necessary steps may be taken to protect the appropriate party.  This may include a medical referral or a report to the law enforcement authorities.




              I understand that this is an application for a volunteer opportunity and is not a promise or commitment by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut.

              I certify that all information I have provided or will provide to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut, including this application, is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my knowledge. I certify that I have and will answer all questions to the best of my ability and that I have not and will not withhold any information that would affect my application for a volunteer position. I understand that information contained in my application will be verified by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut. I understand that misrepresentations or omissions may be cause for my immediate rejection as an applicant or my termination as a volunteer.

              At any time while involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, I agree to immediately inform my Big Brothers Big Sisters contact person of any and all infractions, violations, charges, and convictions related to any civil, domestic, or criminal matters.  I understand that BBBS staff needs to be fully informed to provide the best guidance or support possible.  

              By typing my full name below, I agree to the Application Acknowledge directly above and further acknowledge and agree to the use of electronic signatures, affirming that the electronic signature is legally binding, just as a physical signature would be.


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