High School Big Application

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. 







Basic Information

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Contact Information




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Additional Information

Previous Experience



References

Please provide at least three references.  One MUST be a parent/guardian and the other two must be other ADULTS who are either an employer, teacher, coach or personal friend.
Parent/Guardian Reference







School/Community Reference 1






School/Community Reference 2







Volunteer Experience










Pre-Interview Questionnaire







BBBS of the Sun Coast Agency Policies
  1. NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY: No person who wishes to participate in Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast (“BBBS”) programs (“Programs”), including youth, families, volunteers, Big Brothers, Big Sisters (“Bigs”),Littles, and staff (collectively “Participants”)shall be excluded on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, color, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, or disability.
    • The permission of a parent/guardian will continue to guide decisions about matching Bigs and Littles. While the BBBS will not exclude a volunteer from BBBS Programs (“Programs”) on the bases listed above, parent/guardian preferences may preclude matching a particular Big with a particular Little.
  2. ALCOHOL AND ILLEGAL DRUGS: There shall be no possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs during Programs where a child is present. No person shall engage in Programs while under the influence of alcoholic beverages. or illegal drugs. Persons arrested or convicted of an alcohol or illegal drug related motor vehicle violation, whether or not while engaged in Programs where the child is present, shall notify the agency.
  3. COMMUNICABLE DISEASES: Each applicant who applies to become a Big Brother or Big Sister will affirm that he or she is in good health and has no known communicable diseases. BBBS adheres to Center for Disease Control guidelines and has put in place protective measures for meetings between Bigs and Littles to try to reduce the spread of illnesses, including COVID-19. However, BBBS cannot guarantee that Participants will not become infected with COVID-19 or other diseases or illnesses. Each person in the match needs to assess his/her own health before each meeting and discuss with each other if the meeting should be in- person or virtual.
  4. UNEVALUATED SIGNIFICANT OTHERS CONTACT: While Littles are in the care of a Big, the Big will not leave the child in the care of any other person. Except in the case of an emergency, no person other than the Big will care for, drive or provide transportation for a Little. The spouse, other adults in the household, or other adults outside the household closely associated with the Big may not spend time with the Little without the presence of the child's Big. They may not provide transportation for the Little except in the case of an emergency, or when all the following conditions are met: the parent/guardian has given express prior approval and/or the adult has passed all screening and intake procedures required by  BBBS. A Big may never use a substitute for regular time committed to the child unless circumstances are approved by BBBS.
  5. ARREST/CONVICTION: Any Big Brother or Big Sister who is arrested or any misdemeanor or felony must notify BBBS immediately. At that time, the Big will be subject to suspension until conviction or acquittal. If the Big is acquitted, the suspension will be lifted.
  6. PRIVACY: ACCESS TO PRIVATE INFORMATION
    • In order for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, Inc. (BBBSSC)BBBS to provide a responsible and professional services, it is necessary for Participants to be asked to divulge extensive personal information about themselves and their families. BBBS respects the confidentiality of Participant records and, with the exception of situations listed below, shares such information among only BBBS professional staff and anyone else who has a duty to preserve the confidentiality of such information. The rights of privacy apply to not only written records, but also video, film, picture, or use of Big’s and Littles’ names in BBBS publications.
    • Identifying information shared with a potential Big or Little for the purposes of establishing a match is intended to remain private and is not to be shared with individuals outside of BBBS involvement. Information shared between the Big and Little during the course of the match relationship is intended to be shared solely with involved individuals such as the Big, Little, parent/guardian and BBBS staff. Limitations on privacy are outlined below.
    • All records are considered the property of BBBS and not BBBS Participants. In order to provide Programs in the best interest of the children served, information from outside sources, including confidential references, will be reviewed along with information gained from the Participants themselves. Records are not available for review by Participants. Participants shall be provided, at the time of application, a copy of this statement.
  7. LIMITS OF PRIVACY
    • Information will be released to other individuals and organizations only upon presentation of an authorized “consent to release information” form appropriately signed by the parent or guardian or as required in a court order or other legal document.
    • Identifying information regarding Participants may be used in BBBS publication or promotional materials if the Participant has given permission.
    • 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 Participant records. These outside organizations shall be required to respect the BBBS privacy policy. Outside parties shall be required to use information only for the purpose(s) stated in the approved action of the Board of Directors. Known violations of BBBS privacy policy will be reported to the supervisor of the individual involved and appropriate disciplinary action shall be determined.
    • Members of the corporate Board of Director have access to Participant files only upon authorization by formal motion of the Board of Directors. The motion shall state who can 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 BBBS policies on privacy and may use the information only for purposes stated by the approved action of the Board of Directors. Known violations shall be reported to the Board President.
    • A violation of the BBBS’s privacy policy by a Board Member shall constitute adequate cause for removal from office.
    • Information shall be provided to an BBBS’s legal counsel in the event of litigation or potential litigation involving the BBBS. Such information is considered privileged information, and law protects its confidentiality.
    • State law mandates that suspected child abuse be reported to Florida Dept. of Children and Families. All workers are responsible for staying abreast of such reporting requirements of their respective jurisdiction and shall always comply with mandated procedures.
    • BBBS worker receives information indicating a client or volunteer may be dangerous to himself or herself or others, necessary steps may be taken to protect the appropriate party. This may include a medical referral or a report to the local law enforcement authorities. 
GRIEVANCE POLICY

BBBS tries to provide consistent, quality and professional services to all Participants in accordance with the mission of the organization. However, if a Participant is dissatisfied with any action or, policy or service of BBBS, the aggrieved Participant shall take the actions:
  1. The aggrieved Participant will promptly notify the assigned Mentor Manager of the grievance and the Mentor Manager will work diligently to resolve the situation.
  2. If not satisfied, the aggrieved Participant may submit a written complaint to the Vice President of Programs ((“VPP).”), describing the details of the grievance and the relief sought.
  3. The VPP will review the matter and investigate with Mentor Manager input as well as others who might have pertinent information, including staff, Participants, family members, and others. The depth of the investigation shall be determined by the VPP. The Participant filing the grievance will receive written notification that his/her complaint is being investigated and be given an estimated time of response.
  4. The VPP will report in writing to the Participant his/her findings and take any appropriate action as deemed necessary. A copy of the findings and summary of the situation will be kept in the Participant’s file. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will receive a copy of the findings. 
  5. If the Participant is not satisfied with the findings of the VPP, he/she may appeal to the CEO. The CEO may choose to hold a second investigation or concur with the VPPs’ findings. The Participant will be notified in writing of the response from the CEO.
  6. If the aggrieved party or BBBS disagrees with the findings and conclusions, he/she/it may pursue or other actions permitted by law, beginning with non-binding mediation.
  7. Applicants who have not been accepted as Bigs are not covered by this policy.

Weapons Policy
All Participants agree to the following:
  1. Inform BBBS of Weapon ownership or presence in the home. BBBS staff will discuss the ownership of weapons during the prospective Big’s interview and update that status for the life of the match. For purposes of this policy, “Weapons” may include all firearms, handguns, zip guns, anything forged as a weapon (spears, ninja stars, etc), knives (except for kitchen knives and small pocketknives not used or intended for use as a weapon or to inflict bodily injury) and explosive devices.
  2. In the case where a law enforcement official is required to carry a Weapon at all times as a condition of their employment, BBBS will document the weapon related job requirements as well as parent/guardian notification of the requirements and their approval of the condition prior to match.
  3. Ensure weapons and ammunition are inaccessible to the Little and any other child participating in a BBBS Program. The means of ensuring the inaccessibility will be discussed during the interview.
  4. A Big will not carry a concealed handgun at any time while accompanying a Little or any other child participating in a BBBS Program.
  5. A Little’s parent/guardian shall give his/her consent to the Mentor Manager before engaging in any Program in which a weapon may be used with the Little or other child participating in or present at a BBBS Program.
  6. Have the Little complete a gun safety course or equivalent and provide documentation to BBBS prior to his/her participating in any activity requiring/involving the use of a firearm. (e.g. hunting, target/clay pigeon shooting, etc.).
  7. Transport the firearm to and from any Program in compliance with state and federal laws and in a manner in which the Little cannot gain access to the firearm.
  8. Participants shall affirm that they own all their firearms and/or weapons and are properly licensed, permitted, registered, and handled in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws.
  9. Abide by any other policy or procedure BBBS may put into effect regarding Weapons.
  10. If BBBS staff, Bigs or other Participants BBBS have first -hand knowledge that any student is in possession of a Weapon (at school, school function or school sanctioned activity), that student shall be suspended from the Program and the incident be reported to the school administration immediately.
  11. A Participant who stores or leaves, on a premise under his or her control, a loaded firearm, and who knows or reasonably should know that a minor is likely to gain access to the firearm without the lawful permission of the minor’s parent or the person having charge of the minor, or without the supervision required by law, shall keep the firearm in a securely locked box or container or in a location which a reasonable person would believe to be secure or shall secure it with a trigger lock, except when the person is carrying the firearm on his or her body or within such close proximity that he or she can retrieve and use it as easily and quickly as if he or she carried it on his or her body. As used above, the term "minor" means any person under the age of 16.


Social Media Guidelines for Volunteers
Online social networking (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Blogs, etc.) has become a very popular communications tool. Many Bigs and Littles use these websites. In general, personal use of social networking sites is typically for communications between peers, including friends and family. The Big/Little relationship is that of a mentor in addition to a friend. Not all social networking sites are designed to support mentoring relationships.

If a Big receives an invitation from a Little to join a social networking site. the Big should contact the Mentor Manager to discuss the wisdom of accepting the invitation. If the Big accepts the invitation, he/she shall adhere to the following guidelines:
  1. Posting generalized information is typically appropriate, but postings containing information that may identify a Little or Big should be avoided.
  2. Information shall only be provided to law enforcement officials or the courts pursuant to a valid and enforceable subpoena.
  3. Do not participate in any online communication with/about a Little unless you have discussed it with the parent/guardian or Mentor Manager and have received their approval.
  4. A Big should give the parent/guardian and BBBS your email address and, if possible, link your page to the BBBS page on that site so that BBBS can follow your postings. BBBS is active on Facebook and the BBBS website.
  5. Never post any pictures of a Little online unless you have the written consent of the child’s parent/guardian. That consent should be filed with BBBS.
  6. Never post the last name of a Little, his/her parent/guardian or BBBS staff.
  7. Never post any other contact information of a Little.
  8. Never post any identifying information about a Little (i.e.: child’s home address, school the child attends, where the parent works, etc.).
  9. Never post anything that could be perceived as judgmental or offensive to a Little or his/her parent/guardian.
  10. Honor privacy guidelines within a match; be cautious when posting detailed information about conversations with a Little, a parent/guardian or BBBS staff.
  11. Do not post information that is not BBBS related or is inappropriate for minors. A Big Brother or Sister is a role model at all times. All content should be appropriate and kid‐friendly, in case a Little or his/her family were to read your social networking page. If the social networking site allows, create a separate group for a Little, his/her parent/guardian and BBBS staff that limits your Little’s access to your general or universal postings.
  12. When in doubt about whether or not something is appropriate to post, consult with your Mentor Manager prior to posting. As well, Volunteers are to report any social media misuse or contact that may endanger the Little’s health, safety or well-being to the Mentor Manager. The Mentor Manager will review and consult with supervisors and agency leadership.
  13. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in the termination of your match.



Media Consent and Release
I irrevocably consent to any and all uses and displays of my name, image, likeness, appearance, basic biographical information, audio/video recordings, writings, artwork, and the like, in original form or in modified form, in whole or in part, in, on, or in connection with merchandise, advertising, publicity, marketing, fundraising, and the like, in printed or electronic media, of any type, throughout the world at any time by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast in their sole discretion, and by any of their affiliates, successors, partners, sponsors, donors, any entities or persons with whom they conduct any public relations, marketing, or fund raising of any type, and any other authorized third parties, without further consent from me, without any royalty, payment, or other compensation to me, and with the release and waiver of any claims, actions, damages, losses, costs, expenses and liability of any kind arising from any such use (the “Released Material”).
In consideration of the mutual promises made herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which I hereby acknowledge, I hereby grant to BBBSA and its affiliates the right to use the Released Material as BBBSA and/or its affiliates may desire, in all media now existing or hereafter created and in all variations and forms including, but not limited to, internal or external publications or productions, informational or recruitment materials, marketing materials, fundraising materials, televised photography and/or recordings, advertisements, Public Service Announcements, and/or online and social media sites. The use of this information shall be at the sole discretion of BBBSA and/or its affiliates.

I further grant to BBBSA and its affiliates the absolute right to use the Released Material in whole or in part, alone or in conjunction with any other image, name, writings or reproduction, in color or otherwise, for art, advertising, business, trade, or any other lawful purpose whatsoever, in perpetuity throughout the world.

I understand and agree that all materials created by BBBSA and/or its affiliates that use the Released Materials are the property of and are owned by BBBSA, and that I cannot authorize their use by any other party.  I further understand that BBBSA may authorize their use by a third party. I hereby irrevocably transfer and assign to BBBSA my entire right, title and interest, if any, in and to the Released Materials and all copyrights in the Released Materials arising in any jurisdiction throughout the world, including the right to register and sue to enforce such copyrights against infringers.

I acknowledge and agree that I have no right to review or approve the Released Materials before they are used by BBBSA and/or its affiliates, and that BBBSA has no liability to me for any editing or alteration of the Released Materials or for any distortion or other effects resulting from BBBSA’s and/or its affiliates’ editing, alteration or use of the Released Materials.  BBBSA has no obligation to use the Released Materials or to exercise any rights given by this Consent and Release Form.

I hereby release BBBSA and its affiliates, employees, and agents, as well as any partner companies, from all claims, demands or liabilities and related financial costs that I may now or hereafter have arising in connection with BBBSA’s exercise of the rights hereby granted, and/or with the appearance or the Released Materials in any publication or production. These include, without limitation, claims for compensation, defamation, or invasion of privacy, or other infringements or violations of personal or property rights of any sort whatsoever.

Volunteer Ground Rules & Child Safety Policies
I CONSENT TO AND UNDERSTAND THAT:
  1. The references I list may be contacted in-person or by mail, telephone, or email.
  2. This application in no way obligates me to perform any volunteer services.
  3. The information I provide may be used to conduct a background check, driving record check and/or any other information required by local, state, or federal law for Participants working with youth.
  4. Other BBBS agencies and youth organizations where I worked or volunteered may be contacted for references.
  5. BBBS is not obligated to match me with a youth.
  6. As part of the enrollment process, I will be asked to provide additional personal information prior to receiving any recommendations for assignment.
  7. Proof of a DRIVER’S LICENSE AND COPY OF AUTO INSURANCE is required to participate in the COMMUNITY BASED PROGRAM. Digital signatures can’t be accepted from driver’s license carriers of AR, CA, CO, GA, MD, MA, NH or WA.
  8. I understand that incidents of child abuse or neglect, past or present, must be reported to proper authorities.
  9. It is my responsibility to update the BBBS if any of the information I provide on this application, in my interview, or any other info provided during the enrolment process changes (i.e. address, phone number, auto insurance, new criminal charges, etc.)
  10. I hereby waive any privacy or other privileges I might have and authorize the State of Florida Department of Law Enforcement to search criminal records, and if there are any entries therein to copy such and deliver copies of any such entries or other references to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast. This waiver is executed with full knowledge and understanding that the information is for the use of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast in evaluating my application for membership in the organization, particularly my worthiness of character as an influence on young persons I may come into contact with as a member of that organization.
  11. The Big Brothers Big Sisters One-to-One Program is an interfaith and interracial Program. The BBBS does not discriminate in any way. However, the desires of the child’s parent or guardian are respected in the selection of an appropriate adult for each child. All information regarding health, personality, behavior, and sexual orientation shall be held in confidence with the exception of information deemed relevant to the match process by the professional staff.
    • I understand BBBS staff will share with the parent or guardian any information relevant to the match, while withholding the volunteer name until the actual match is made. Any party has the right to refuse to enter into the match based upon information communicated by the BBBS staff.
  12. I authorize Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, Inc., its director or designee, to disclose information in my records on file concerning my age, sex, race, religion, interests, hobbies, marriage and family status, sexual preference, living situation, reasons for applying to the Program and a summary of why I was chosen for a particular match, to the parent/guardian. I understand that I will not be identified by name until after the match has been agreed upon.
  13. I agree to keep information discussed with me regarding a potential Little Brother/Little Sister match confidential. I will not discuss this information with any person other than the assigned professional staff of the Big Brother Big Sister BBBS.

TRANSPORTATION POLICY

The safety of children, Participants and staff paramount, whether it be a match or BBBS sponsored activity. The following applies anytime a Big or BBBS staff transport children.
  1. Parent must consent that BBBS staff member or a fully screened Big may provide transportation for their child to and from any BBBS-sponsored Program. This applies to Bigs enrolled in Community- Based, Site-Based and Site- Based Plus, and Site Base Facilitated Programs.
  2. All children will be transported utilizing a seat belt, car seat, or booster seat according to current Florida laws and regulations. Parents will be required to supply a booster or car seat as needed for their child according to Florida law. Drivers shall make sure seat belts, car seats, booster seats are used properly, and each child is properly secured before setting a vehicle in motion.
  3. All adults in the vehicle will use proper restraining devices according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations and Florida law.
  4. Children must always ride in the back seat of the Big’s vehicle if they are less than 12 years old.
  5. The number of passengers in vehicle will not exceed the manufacturer’s stated capacity for the Vehicle.
  6. Children will never be left unattended in a vehicle, even for brief periods.
Driver Qualifications:
    • Drivers must provide Bigs with a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
    • A copy of the Big’s license and proof of insurance will be maintained on file.
    • It is the Big's responsibility to ensure that BBBS is provided with up -to -date copies of such information.
    • Drivers will be legally licensed and shall not be under the influence of any substance that may alter their ability to drive safely.
    • Drivers will meet BBBS qualifications including criminal history and DMV checks which will be obtained by BBBS staff and kept in a match file or personnel file.
    • Drivers will obey all Florida traffic regulations inclusive of prohibitions related to cell phone use and texting while driving.
    • Other factors such as age, years of driving experience, references and interviews may result in a recommendation of Site -Based mentoring only.

YOUTH VISITING VOLUNTEER’s HOME

Visits to the volunteer’s home by the Little are not allowed within the first three months of the match. This allows the match relationship time to become established and develop in a healthy and safe manner. Any visits occurring prior to three months will be reviewed by a supervisor to determine whether match suspension or closure is warranted.


MATCH OVERNIGHT VISITS
Unless there are unusual circumstances, during the first year overnight visits between Bigs and Littles are not allowed. After the first year, overnight visits may occur if the following measures are taken, although the BBBS does not recommend such visits.
    1. A documented assessment of healthy relationship development between a match by the Mentor Manager.
    2. A documented pre-approval and discussion with staff, parent/guardian, and Big agreeing to home visits, the expected nature and frequency of home visits, and a review of child safety practices.
    3. The Mentor Manager should periodically provide an ongoing assessment of safety levels in the match relationship and assessment of the activities and frequency of home visits.
At any time, the Mentor Manager has the authority to restrict the Big’s and Little’s activities at the Big’s home if there are concerns regarding the safety level or appropriateness of such visits. In that case, the parent/guardian and Big should be informed of the professional staff’s decision.

Exceptions must be approved by the Agency CEO or Designee. In addition, overnight visits are permitted only in cases where one of the following criteria have been met AND the required authorization steps are documented:

CRITERIA:
    1. There is genuine concern for the safety of a child returning to their own home (e.g. emergency circumstances) OR
    2. An event is formally designated by the BBBS as one that (1) is of a nature to provide an exceptionally significant developmental or educational benefit to a child or youth, and (2) that the event would not be possible without the Big accompanying the Little (e.g. a college visit for example)

REQUIRED AUTHORIZATION: The Mentor Manager shall be responsible for the following:
    1. Documented confirmation that the Big/Little relationship has been in place for at least one year.
    2. Documented professional assessment of healthy relationship development between match parties with no violations of BBBS policy, including a code of conduct.
    3. Documented pre-approval by parents/guardian, the Little, and professional staff, with the exceptions noted above.
    4. Documented plans for privacy in: sleeping, changing clothes, bathing/showering.
    5. Documented consideration of reasonable alternatives to sleeping overnight.
    6. Documented professional staff monitoring for any safety concerns following the overnight
Ultimately, it is the sole responsibility of the individual parent/guardian to make this decision regarding match overnight visits for their child. The parent/guardian must give permission to the Big for an overnight visit and must take full responsibility for monitoring it. If the parent/guardian and the Big agree upon overnight visits, it is the parent/guardian and Bigs’s responsibility to notify their Mentor Manager before each overnight visit.



Contact Information