There are no income requirements. Hallinan assures parents that all volunteers go through a stringent screening process before they become a Big Brother or Big Sister. All volunteers must successfully pass an Illinois State Police background check, which includes an FBI inquiry and local law enforcement background check. Volunteers also are checked on the National Child Abuse Registry. Hallinan says volunteers must also pass two interviews.
Volunteers undergo two interviews plus a home visit.
They also attend empowerment training that deals with sexual abuse awareness training. Children and their families also go through empowerment training. Hallinan interviews the child and parent to determine their preferences before a match occurs. Big Brothers and Big Sisters spend 3-5 hours per week with a child doing activities that are beneficial to that child. Hallinan says it s been proven that kids with adult mentors are less likely to skip school and take drugs.