MATCH AGREEMENT

We (Parent/Caregiver & Big) understand and agree to:

1. Match Duration and Evaluation: Maintain the match for a minimum of six months. If the match extends beyond twelve months, all parties will complete an annual evaluation to determine whether it should continue. If the match lasts beyond the first year, it will be assessed quarterly.

2. Match Frequency: Schedule match activities at least twice a month, with no more than four outings per month, each lasting 2-5 hours. Communication through phone calls, video conferencing, and/or emails between the Big and Little is encouraged on weeks when no in-person meetings are scheduled.

3. Overnight Visits: Overnight visits are strictly prohibited. Any occurrence will result in the immediate closure of the match, with no exceptions.

4. Communication with Match Support Specialist: Bigs, Parents/Caregivers agree to maintain regular communication with the assigned Match Support Specialist by responding promptly to calls, emails, and other contact as needed. Failure to communicate at least monthly will result in match closure.

5. One-on-One Match Integrity: Support the one-on-one nature of the match by not involving friends, spouses, or significant others in match activities. Siblings, friends, cousins, and other children may not participate in the match activities.

6. Open Communication: All parties will maintain open, regular communication, share responsibility for scheduling activities, and relay relevant information to foster the relationship. This includes updates on personal matters (e.g., trips, availability changes) and contact information updates (e.g., phone number, address, email).

7. Activity Support: BBBS of SDC provides ideas for free or low-cost activities. Although not required, parents/caregivers are encouraged to contribute $5-$10 for the Little's outing expenses. If financial constraints prevent this, parents/caregivers should communicate openly with the Big to help plan the outing accordingly.

8. Preparedness for Match Activities: Parents/Caregivers agree to have their child ready and on time for activities, dressed appropriately, and fed if needed. They will ensure proper supervision when the child returns.

9. No Cancellations Due to Behavior: Parents/Caregivers will not cancel match outings due to the child's behavior.

10. Social Media and Online Privacy: Bigs will not share personal social media profiles (e.g., Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, Facebook) or post photos/videos with the Little unless permitted by the Match Support Specialist and Parent/Caregiver.

11. Addressing Issues: Contact the Match Support Specialist immediately if any issues arise between the Big, Parent/Caregiver, or Little. Early communication helps resolve miscommunications and ensures the match receives the necessary support.

12. Child Safety Guidelines: Adhere to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County Child Safety Guidelines during all interactions with BBBS of SDC.

13. Home Visits: Littles may visit the Big’s home after being matched for at least six months, with prior approval from the Parent/caregiver and Match Support Specialist.

14. Positive Match Closure: Facilitate a positive match closure by ensuring one final outing or phone call before the match officially closes, to help ensure a healthy and thoughtful conclusion. Contact the Match Support Specialist in advance to discuss an individualized closure plan.

1. After each outing, I will tell my Parent/Caregiver everything that happens on the activities with my Big.

2. If there is anything that makes me feel uncomfortable or unsafe about my Big, I will tell my Parent/Caregiver or my Match Support Specialist.

3. I will not ask to bring my friends, brothers or sisters along on our outings.

4. I will be dressed and ready to go when my Big and I have something planned.

5. I will call my Big ahead of time if I cannot go on our activity, so they do not have to drive all the way to my house.

6. With my Parent/Caregiver’s permission, I can call/text/email my Big to talk and plan activities.

7. I will not expect or ask for my Big to buy me gifts or take me to expensive places.

8. I will not have an overnight visit with my Big.

9. With help, I will contribute to paying for my share of match activities.

1. The Big will talk with the Match Support Specialist every month about match activities and the relationship with the Little.

2. The Parent/Caregiver will talk with the Match Support Specialist at least every other month about match activities & the Little’s relationship with the Big.

3. The Little will talk with the Match Support Specialist in alternate months about match activities and the relationship with the Big.

We accept this match and will abide by all the provisions in this agreement.

For purposes of this Policy, references to a “Big” is to an adult volunteer enrolled in our program to develop a mentoring relationship with a child (a “Little”) who is enrolled in one of our programs.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County (BBBS) prioritizes child safety and privacy, as well as creating a positive, respectful and appropriate mentor relationship between BBBS Volunteer Bigs and Littles. Social networking through the Volunteers’ use of online social media, personal blogs, and other social networking sites (Social Media) may impact child safety and child privacy, as well as other aspects of the mentor relationship.

Accordingly, this Online Social Media Policy For Volunteers (“Policy”) applies to all Volunteers and governs their use of Social Media, even where Volunteers are not using Social Media to interact with Littles. Social Media, for purposes of this Policy, is defined to exclude direct one-to-one contact between the Volunteer and the Little by telephone, videophone (e.g. Skype and Facetime), texting, and electronic mail.

As a condition of being a Volunteer, Volunteers must read, understand, and agree to abide by this Policy. Failure to adhere to this Policy may result in termination of the Volunteer’s relationship with BBBS, including but not limited to terminating a Big’s match with his or her Little, terminating a Volunteer opportunity, and/or refusing to accept a candidate as a Volunteer.

BBBS discourages Volunteers from using Social Media to interact with Littles. BBBS also discourages Volunteers from using Social Media to interact with the Little’s parents, legal guardians, and family members. BBBS encourages Volunteers to interact with their Littles on a one-to-one, in-person basis, via telephone, videophone, text or electronic mail.

If a Volunteer chooses to use Social Media with his or her Little (e.g. by “friending a Little on Facebook”) then a signed authorization form and volunteer disclosure statement must be obtained prior to the Volunteer using such Social Media with his or her Little (e.g. prior to extending an invitation or accepting an invitation to friend on Facebook).

Social Media Requirements Governing Volunteers, Even If Social Media Not Used To Interact With Littles

Confidentiality/Privacy. In using Social Media, Volunteers shall protect the Little’s confidentiality and privacy at all times.Volunteers shall not disclose on Social Media sites any personal information about a Little, including but not limited to a Little’s last name, home or other physical address, e-mail address, telephone number, Social Security number, school, routine, activities, location, family information, finances, health, and/or other information about a Little or his or her family.

Privacy Settings Requirements. In using Social Media, Volunteers shall customize their settings on the Social Media sites to ensure that no personal information on the Volunteer’s site is able to be viewed by the general public, without individually granted permission to do so, except for basic information (e.g. name, town, profile picture, and networks). This will guard against a Little inadvertently accessing the Volunteers’ Social Media sites and guard against the ability of others to identify, search for, or contact a Little.

Photographs. In using Social Media, Volunteers shall not use or post images or videos of a Little without submitting a completed Parental Authorization For BBBS Volunteer To Use Photograph Or Video Of Child In Social Media (“Photo Authorization Release”), signed by the parent(s) and/or legal guardian of the Little, which allows use and/or posting of images or videos on Social Media. The Photo Authorization Form allows the Volunteer to post an image or video on Social Media, however, it does not allow the Volunteer to identify the Little in the photo or video (e.g. no tagging). The Photo Authorization Release does not allow the Volunteer to disclose confidential information about a Little (including information through posting video that itself discloses confidential or personal information). Even after submitting a Photo Authorization Release, the Volunteer shall still consult with the Little to make sure the Little has no objection to the use of the image or video on the Social Media.

“Bigs Only” Limitation. In using Social Media, Volunteers shall not post any content from the “Bigs Only” section of the BBBS website. The opportunities and information provided there are meant for currently matched Volunteers, BBBS Alumni and BBBS staff, not the general public.

Promotion and Attribution. In using Social Media (e.g. LinkedIn), Volunteers may indicate on a resume or similar statement of positions that they are a Volunteer with BBBS. Volunteers may also promote BBBS events through the use of Social Media. However, when authoring any content or expressing any opinions on Social Media (e.g. personal blogs, reviews, statements of opinion), whether in words, pictures or other symbolism, a Volunteer shall represent that his or her opinions, beliefs and statements are personal, and shall not do or say anything to suggest such opinions, beliefs or statements are shared by BBBS.

Cooperation With Investigation Regarding Noncompliance; Consequences

Volunteers’ use of Social Media will not be actively monitored by BBBS. However, if BBBS receives a complaint or inquiry, or otherwise becomes aware of a potential violation of this Policy or another BBBS policy or guideline, BBBS has the right to access the Volunteer’s Social Media sites to review them for compliance purposes. Volunteers shall fully cooperate with any BBBS investigation and provide BBBS access to his or her Social Media sites upon the request of BBBS.

If BBBS determines a Volunteer violated this Policy, BBBS may terminate its relationship with the Volunteer (including but not limited to terminating a Big’s match with his or her Little, terminating a Volunteer opportunity, and/or refusing to accept a candidate as a Volunteer) and take any other action allowed under the law or in equity on its own behalf or on behalf of the Little to specifically enforce this Policy.

I understand that the Volunteer shall agree to comply with the BBBS Online Social Media Policy For Volunteers. I have reviewed and understand the Social Media Policy. In giving this authorization, permission and consent, I release Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County and the Volunteer from any obligation or liability in connection with any right my child or I may have as a result of authorized Social Media use in accordance with the Social Media Policy that refers or relates to the Little. This consent may be terminated in writing at any time. Any such termination will be prospective, not retroactive.

I understand that the Volunteer identified above shall agree to comply with the BBBS Online Social Media Policy For Volunteers (“Social Media Policy”). I have reviewed and understand the Social Media Policy. In giving this consent, I release Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County and the Volunteer identified above from any obligation or liability in connection with any personal or ownership right the Little or I may have as a result of the reproduction or use of a photograph, video (including voice), image or likeness of the Little when using authorized Social Media in accordance with the Social Media Policy. This consent may be terminated in writing at any time. Any such termination will be prospective, not retroactive.

It is the policy of Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County, Inc. that all agency volunteers agree:

1. To inform BBBS of San Diego County of the ownership of weapons or the presence of weapons in the home. BBBS staff will discuss the ownership of weapons during the volunteer’s interview and/or home assessment, and update that status for the life of the match. For purposes of this policy, “weapons” may include all firearms, handguns, zip guns, knives (except for kitchen knives
and small pocketknives not used or intended for use as a weapon or to inflict bodily injury) and explosive devices.

2. To ensure that weapons and ammunition are inaccessible to the child assigned to you by BBBS of San Diego County and to any other child participating in a BBBS of San Diego County activity, while the child is under your supervision. The means of ensuring the inaccessibility will be discussed during the interview and/or home visit.

3. To adhere to the policy that a volunteer will not carry a concealed handgun at any time while accompanying the child assigned to you by BBBS of San Diego County or accompanying any other child participating in a BBBS activity (with the exception of law enforcement officers who are required to carry a weapon at all times and have received prior approval from BBBS of San Diego County).

4. To understand that BBBS of San Diego County will disclose to the parent or guardian of the child assigned to you by BBBS the agency’s weapons policy and the volunteer’s admission of weapon ownership or the presence of a weapon in the home. The parent/guardian and the volunteer will sign an acknowledgement of the ownership of a weapon and the form will be kept in the child’s permanent file.

I understand that weapons and ammunition will be inaccessible to my child and to any other child participating in a BBBS of San Diego County activity, while under the supervision of the volunteer.