Mentor Application

Mentoring Agreement*

Carefully read the following:

* I am at least 19 years old (age 15+ for In-School or Group Mentoring)
* I have lived in Canada for at least 6 months
* I understand that for the Community Program I must be able to commit to a minimum of 1 year at the time of matching
* I understand a criminal record check is mandatory
* I understand that being a mentor is a high-risk volunteer position that requires time and deliberation from agency staff to ensure I am the right individual for the program I am applying for
* I understand that that due to the nature of the high-risk volunteer position that the application and matching process can be lengthy and therefore requires patience on my part
* I understand that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island is under no obligation to approve my application
* I understand that if I am not accepted as a Mentor, I may not be provided with a reason why
* I understand that the time between application and program involvement could be between 3-12 months
* I understand that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island will contact references and may contact other community agencies, doctors, and service providers I have been involved with upon receipt of my written consent
* I will inform my references they will be contacted via email to complete a questionnaire and I understand if this is not completed may cause delays in the recruitment process
* I understand that I must attend an Information/Orientation Session, Pre-Match Training Session, and an interview before a decision on my acceptance can be made
* I understand that if I am accepted as a Mentor, I may be required to participate in agency activities and events while waiting for a match to begin, as deemed appropriate by Agency Staff
* I understand that it is strictly prohibited to use legal and illicit substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and/or drugs when I am acting in a mentoring capacity
* I understand that I must conduct myself in a manner consistent with being a positive role model to a child, and as a representative of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island
* I understand that my role as a Mentor is separate and distinct from a peer and/or parental figure
* I understand that I must work towards building a meaningful relationship built on trust and respecting boundaries
* I understand that I must respect the confidentiality of the child(ren) enrolled in the program at all times
* I understand that in order to respect the privacy and dignity of all children and families enrolled in programming, I will not divulge confidential information without consent, except where required by law, such as in the case of suspected child abuse
* I understand that I must adhere to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island policies and guidelines, especially regarding child safety. I will not engage in any behavior that may be perceived as being abusive towards a child, or a child’s family
* I understand that while I may have one key contact at the agency, there is a team of agency staff, as well as practicum students who may be in contact with me throughout my participation in the program(s)
* I understand that I will be required to maintain communication with the agency staff, and/or students which includes regularly scheduled telephone, email, and in person meetings
* I understand that I will be responsible for contacting agency staff, and/or students to discuss problems, issues, concerns, or changes of circumstances (ex. living situation, change of address, phone number, etc.)
* I understand that my inability to maintain this contact with Agency Staff, and/or students could result in the termination of my application and/or the closure of my match
* I understand that in the event of a match closure, I must be sensitive to the impact that this can have on the child(ren), and take the necessary steps to minimize the distress it may cause.

By submitting your application, you agree that you have read and agree to all of these terms and conditions.

Confidentiality Agreement*

All staff and volunteers of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island (the “Agency”) are required to abide by this Confidentiality Policy. Any breach of this policy will be considered grounds for termination.

Agency Service Delivery Staff will explain the confidential nature of our service to the volunteer, child and parent/guardian as early as possible in the orientation and/or screening process. At all times thereafter Service Delivery Staff will ensure the privacy of case information.

Information contained in the Casework files will not be disclosed by the Agency to any person without written approval of said person except in the following cases:

1. Where the safety of a child depends upon divulging this information. This could include suspicion of neglect or abuse of a child. The proper authorities will be informed when necessary. This could result in the disclosure of confidential information without written consent from the person to Brothers Big Sisters of Canada’s insurers and or legal counsel, as may be appropriate in connection with any legal proceeding or inquiry;
2. When subpoenaed by the courts;
3. Where required by law; and
4. During periodic agency accreditation reviews; case records, including relevant personal information will be shared to authorized representatives of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada.

In the event that confidential information is requested to support a custody or access application, or for any court matter other than a “child protection” case, the Agency will only release the information if required to do so by a Judge’s Order.
No staff member or volunteer shall use confidential information from the agency to advance any personal interest, financial or otherwise.

In accordance with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada’s National Standards:
• No information will be provided to persons or organizations outside of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, and its agents, about parents, children or volunteers without their express prior written consent except where required by law.
• All information and records, including electronic records, shall be kept secure (for example, in a filing cabinet, desk, etc. under lock and key, password protected, etc.) and confidential at all times.

Case records will be accessible only to the Caseworker, Executive Director, Casework Supervisor, and in appropriate situations, other Caseworkers.

Staff / Volunteer Code of Conduct*

In the interest of the children and youth that we serve, Big Brothers/Big Sisters staff and/or volunteers commit to improving the life of a child by observing the following code of conduct:

1. You agree to conduct yourself in a manner consistent with your position as a positive role model to a child, and as a representative of the Agency;
2. You will follow Agency policy and guidelines around the safety of the child as outlined in the Agency’s Child Safety Program and not engage in any behavior that may be perceived as being sexual/or abusive with the Child or any member of the Child’s family;
3. You agree to respect the privacy and dignity of the Little/Mentee and family by not divulging confidential information without consent, except where required by law as in the case of suspected child abuse;
4. Staff agree to limit their involvement in a mentor/mentee or parents’ life to what is deemed appropriate by the Agency. Both are seen as an influence, not a dominant factor, in the person’s life;
5. The adult-child/Adult-adult relationship is based on mutual respect. Both agree to treat each other in a respectful way at all times;
6. Staff will allow Volunteers to develop their friendship with their Little/Mentee at their own pace;
7. You are required to discuss problems, issues, concerns, or changes of circumstances (living situation, change of address, phone number etc.) with the Agency contact person;
8. In the event of match closure, both must be sensitive to the impact that this can have on the child, and take the necessary steps to minimize upset to the child. All matches are to be formally closed by the agency caseworker; and
9. You agree to not consume any alcohol or drugs prior to or during any visit with a child.

Volunteer Permission and Release Agreement*

I agree to the following terms and conditions.
TO: Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Vancouver Island (THE “AGENCY”)

The Agency and Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada (“BBBSC”) are separate entities and this Agreement is between me and the Agency. By applying to volunteer with the Agency (“Volunteer Application”) and signing this Agreement, I acknowledge, understand and accept that:

I am a legal resident of Canada and have reached the age of majority in the province or territory in which I reside. I acknowledge and agree that if I have not reached the age of majority of the province or territory in which I reside, my parent or legal guardian will also need to sign this Agreement in order for my Volunteer Application to be considered;

There is no obligation on the Agency to accept my Volunteer Application or assign me as a volunteer into a mentoring program (a “Mentoring Program”) and the Agency may terminate my involvement in a Mentoring Program in its sole discretion and without reason;

If I am accepted as a volunteer, my involvement in a Mentoring Program is not intended to create and shall not be construed as creating either an employee–employer relationship or a contract for services that would allow me to receive a salary, compensation, payment or any benefits, monetary or otherwise; and

If I am accepted into a Mentoring Program, I understand that I will be required to enter into a confidentiality agreement with the Agency, and I agree to abide by the volunteer position description(s) and code(s) of conduct established by the Agency, including any applicable guidelines, Standards and policies.

Assumption of Risk, Release and Reimbursement

I acknowledge, understand and accept that:
I am responsible for all risks associated with my involvement in a Mentoring Program including, without limitation, the risk of bodily or psychological harm or injury;
Subject to local laws, I agree not to sue the Agency, BBBSC and/or any of their member agencies in respect of any such injury or claim resulting from my participation in a Mentoring Program, my Volunteer Application, the acceptance or denial of my Volunteer Application, the Alumni Program and/or my association with the Agency or BBBSC;

I understand that I am fully responsible for any damage to my personal vehicle and/or property during my volunteer involvement in a Mentoring Program and that neither BBBSC nor the Agency insures personal vehicles or property belonging to its volunteers; and
I agree to reimburse the Agency and/or BBBSC and/or any of their member agencies for any damages or losses of any kind (including but not limited to the injury of any other person and/or damage to or loss of property) that may arise in connection with my gross negligence, willful misconduct, or failure to act in accordance with published BBSC policies and guidelines and relating to or arising in connection with my participation in a Mentoring Program or my association with the Agency or BBBSC, including payment of any and all legal expenses of the Agency, BBBSC and/or any of their member agencies.

Background Check

I understand that my acceptance into the Mentoring Program will be conditional on my successful completion of a background check, which may include contacting the references included in my Volunteer Application and/or a criminal record check, for the purposes of confirming my suitability for the Mentoring Program. I agree to provide all necessary consents for such background checks.

Privacy Notice

The personal information provided by me or otherwise collected by the Agency in connection with my application will be used by the Agency for the purpose of evaluating and considering my Volunteer Application and, if accepted into a Mentoring Program, for the purpose of administering the Mentoring Program. This information may include my name, phone number, mailing address, date of birth, results of background check, and driver’s license and auto insurance information. My personal information will be maintained by the Agency on a confidential basis and will only be disclosed to the parent(s) and/or guardian(s) of a child with whom the Agency may consider “matching” me in a Mentoring Program, to representatives of a school or institution in connection with my participation in a site-based Mentoring Program, to the BBBSC as required for the purposes of accreditation reviews or legal proceedings and as otherwise required or permitted by law. In the event the Agency ceases operations, any and all information about me held by the Agency will be provided to BBBSC, another BBBSC agency selected by BBBSC, or both and will be used for the purposes set out above.

Other Terms of this Agreement

a) In entering into this Agreement, I am not relying on any oral or written representations other than as set forth in this Agreement;
b) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed pursuant to the laws of the Province or Territory in which the Agency is located; and
c) In the event that any provision or term of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

THE INFORMATION IN THIS FORM IS TRUE TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE.*

I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE READ THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, HAVE BEEN GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO OBTAIN INDEPENDENT LEGAL ADVICE, AND UNDERSTAND THAT IT REPRESENTS A WAIVER OF CERTAIN OF MY LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING MY RIGHT TO SUE (SUBJECT TO LOCAL LAWS). I FURTHER AGREE THAT SUCH LIMITS ARE REASONABLE AND SIGN THIS AGREEMENT FREELY, VOLUNTARILY AND WITHOUT DURESS.