For Women and Caregivers with Boys who may benefit from Big Buddy
How We Select
We screen using the following process:
As a mother, you will undoubtedly be interested in who the Big Buddies are, their motives for wanting to be part of the programme and how we screen, select and support them. It works like this:
Our main criteria for men wanting to become Big Buddies are:
- They are men of good character
- They will be good male role models
- They are safe and trustworthy
- They are reliable.
Before a potential mentor applies, we make sure they have good information about the programme through our web site, brochure and a personal orientation talk (in person or by phone). Once an application is received we go into a screening and training process.
- Character references - we talk to three referees the applicant provides, including one female relative or a woman who knows the applicant well who is not his wife or mother
- Police check - reveals any criminal record and/or paedophile alerts
- Doctor's reference - a written opinion from the applicant's doctor
- Home interview - one to one interview in the applicant's home, deeply exploring their motivation and personal background
- Clinical assessment - psychological profiling questionnaire and a one-hour session with an experienced psychotherapist exploring the applicant's integrity around sexuality and emotional expression.
Having established good character, the man is invited to attend a training/educational session. A consensus decision is then made by three people to accept or decline the applicant based on the results of the above processes. We take a conservative approach to selection, always erring on the side of safety - both physical and emotional.
Once a 'match' is negotiated between the new Big Buddy and the mother of a Little Buddy, a match meeting is held with the Big Buddy programme co-ordinator, the mother, the boy and the mentor. If all are in agreement, the relationship begins at that point and the mentor and boy will begin meeting for about two to three hours a week.
Your boy and his Big Buddy will do a variety of activities, depending on your boys' interests. The mentor makes a commitment of a minimum of one year, though most relationships continue well past that. The relationship is supported through monthly phone calls and other support, as required. Your ongoing support of the relationship is, of course, crucial to its success so we are always pleased to hear from you with any concerns or comments.
