The whole process takes 6-8 weeks. You then meet with the child's parent in our office. If you and the parent feel this would be a good match, we then schedule you to meet the child and begin the relationship. It is not chosen for them. Each match is as different as the people involved.
Some matches continue for years, but for others a year is sufficient.
Every six months the adult, the child, the child's parent and the Good Friend caseworker discuss the goals and time frame of the match. If it is time for the match to end, the caseworker assists in the closure to create a positive ending. Anyone with a felony record is automatically disqualified. Also, in the event the Good Friend staff does not feel the program is the best choice for a potential volunteer, we will redirect them to another volunteer experience that may be more suitable.