In view of our need for the parent to be actively supportive of the match, we encourage professionals not to refer families where parents can offer only grudging support. As of August 1998, we are managing to keep up with the demand for Big Sisters for girls, but have a long waiting list of boys. We ask you to be aware, therefore, that boys referred at this time will probably have to wait so long for a match that referral is inadvisable for the time being. We are working hard to shorten the waiting list so that we can resume intake for boys. This advisory will be updated periodically.
Full confidentiality is maintained until the initial meeting, which takes place at the child's home.
At that time, everyone is introduced, hopes and expectations shared, and an initial schedule for meeting is established. After the match is made, parent, child, and volunteer stay in continual contact with the Case Worker through frequent phone consultations and face to face meetings. This allows the Case Worker to provide any necessary ongoing support to the match relationship. Parents are expected to remain an active partner in this four member team. Like any other relationship, a match has ups and downs.