Who is eligible to work in Big Brothers Big Sisters?

Requirements for being a mentor or volunteer in Big Brothers Big Sisters can vary by region but usually are that the person be at least 18 or 21 years old, have a driver's license and pass a background check. Other eligibility requirements include being able to dedicate around 2 to 5 hours a week to the program and being able to keep in regular contact with the organization, notes Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chilicothe, Ohio.

Volunteers and mentors also need to be able to fulfill the duties of the program, including being able to participate in activities the child will enjoy, following rules that the child's parents have set and reporting problems to the organization and the authorities as necessary. In addition, volunteers and mentors need to be free of substance abuse, not be on probation, have a stable household and lifestyle and may need to meet certain residency requirements, suggests Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great River Area.