<p> Big Brothers Big Sisters – Definition of a BBBS match</p><p>BBBS Match Definition: A one to one relationship between a volunteer and a child with the expectation that they will meet regularly for a significant amount of time in order to reach positive youth development outcomes.</p><p>Context: The following clarifications describe the maximum variations to what is expected in a BBBS match in order to “count” when reporting matches for accountability purposes. Research and empirical evidence have demonstrated the value of Bigs and Littles meeting together, in –person, for several hours three or four times a month in the community program and for at least an hour, weekly, in the school- based program, particularly in the early months of their relationship. We also have empiric evidence that matches that continue for two or more years have greater impacts than those that close within the first year. Our mission is to help children develop their potential through professionally supported relationships with Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Therefore our expectations for all BBBS matches are based on their spending quality time together over a sustained period. </p><p>1. For a match to “count” toward BBBS performance metrics it needs to involve: Ratio: ◘ One volunteer and one child. By extension, since a one-to-one relationship can still be established and maintained, the match may involve: A couple and one child = 1 match; One volunteer and 1or 2 children = 1 or 2 matches (an example might be 2 brothers matched to one volunteer)</p><p>Duration: ◘ Expectations for duration BBBS values long term matches. At a minimum, at the beginning of a match the Big, Little, and agency needs to understand that the match is expected to continue for at least six months. If the match closes early, it still counts , but the principle here is that the expectation is at least six months.</p><p>Frequency: ◘ Expectations for frequency BBBS values matches meeting frequently for an amount of time that allows for relationship-building conversation and activities. At a minimum, for a match to remain open, the match needs to meet in-person at least once a month for a minimum of 2 hours. Matches involving older youth, that exceed 5 years in length, may miss a month but are expected to continue to meet with regularity. </p><p>2. What doesn’t “count” Matches between a volunteer and more than 2 youth concurrently (unusual special programs with a 1.3 ratio may be approved if they can provide POE demonstrated outcomes, e.g. Bank One)</p><p>Matches with expectations of meeting less than 2 hours (total time per month) with the exception listed above</p><p>Matches with a planned duration of less than a semester (SBM) or 6 months (CBM) </p><p>High School Volunteers as “Littles”: High School Bigs are not counted as youth served: one High School Big matched with one Little = 1 match. </p><p>Paid Volunteers – BBBS Volunteers are unpaid/unstipended</p><p>Bigs that are not at least in their first year of High School – High School juniors and seniors preferred </p>