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1. How do I request a Big Brother or Big Sister for my child?
2. What is the process of obtaining a Big Brother or Sister for my Child?
3. What are the requirements for my child to be eligible for Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters?
4. Are the volunteer Big Brothers and Sisters trained and what processes are in place to ensure the safety of my child?
5. Do I have to be a single parent in order for my child to be eligible?
6. Does my child need to be Catholic?
7. I don't live in the Los Angeles area. Is there a program near me?
8. How often does the Big Brother or Sister visit my child and what do these visits consist of?
9. How do I know if this is the right program for my child?
10. I'm interested, but can I get more information before making a decision?

1. How do I request a Big Brother or Big Sister for my child?
When both a parent or guardian and child agree that the services of Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters would be beneficial to the child, the parent is encouraged to contact CBBBS to request a Big Brother or Big Sister.
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2. What is the process of obtaining a Big Brother or Sister for my Child?
Once a parent has contacted Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters and provided general information, a case manager will call to set up an appointment with the parent or guardian and child. Then, after a Big Sister or Big Brother completes the application and training process, the case manager reviews the profiles of available children and helps match the "Big" with a child who has similar interests. After establishing the relationship, the case manager provides on-going support, help and advise as needed.
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3. What are the requirements for my child to be eligible for Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters?
We serve children between the ages of 7 and 18. We match boys between the ages of 7 and 15 and girls between the ages of 7 and 16. We serve children of all faiths and backgrounds.
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4. Are the volunteer Big Brothers and Sisters trained and what processes are in place to ensure the safety of my child?
Each volunteer is interviewed by a professional Case Manager, has a full national background search conducted, fingerprints taken and DMV records obtained. In addition each volunteer is put through training.
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5. Do I have to be a single parent in order for my child to be eligible?
No. We believe that every child can benefit from having an adult friend and mentor in his/her life.
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6. Does my child need to be Catholic?
No. Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters was founded in 1925 by Catholic lay people, but as times change, so do the needs of the community. As a result, Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters has grown to serve volunteers and Little Brothers and Sisters who represent many religious backgrounds.
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7. I don't live in the Los Angeles area. Is there a program near me?
Yes. Though Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters serves only Los Angeles County, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has 500 affiliated organizations across the United States. Check the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America web site for an organization near you at www.bbbsa.org.
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8. How often does the Big Brother or Sister visit my child and what do these visits consist of?
We ask all of our volunteer Big Brothers and Sisters for a one-year commitment of a few hours spent with a child two or three times each month. Activities include normal everyday things such as going to the park, to a museum, the movies, playing on the beach.
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9. How do I know if this is the right program for my child?
Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters is committed to transforming lives through rewarding and enriching relationships between trained mentors and youth of all faiths and backgrounds. This means that our program is for the every child that wants a positive adult role model and friend, because every child can benefit from having an adult friend and mentor in his/her life.
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10. I'm interested, but can I get more information before making a decision?
Call (213) 251-9800 or (213) 251-9800 (Voice) and talk to one of our staff members. You may also email our Volunteer Recruiter at recruit@catholicbigbrothers.org who will be happy to answer any and all questions you have, and to provide all the additional information you need.
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