In a nation grappling with gun violence, substance abuse, and juvenile delinquency, the need for effective intervention programs is paramount. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, a community-based mentoring program, is proving to be a beacon of hope for disadvantaged youth across the United States.
Founded over a century ago, Big Brothers Big Sisters has grown to become the largest mentoring organization in the country. With over 230 agencies, it served more than 100,000 youth in 2020, playing an indispensable role in shaping the lives of the next generation.
A Unique Approach
The program pairs children and teenagers, aged 6 to 18, predominantly from low-income households, with adult mentors. The process is meticulous: parents or guardians apply for their child to be matched with a mentor, who undergoes a rigorous screening process, including a personal interview, home visit, and criminal background and reference checks. A potential match is only finalized with parental approval.
Once paired, mentors and youth meet 2 to 4 times per month for at least a year, engaging in various activities such as studying, cooking, or playing sports. The focus is on building a supportive friendship. Mentors are encouraged to form bonds with the youth, offering guidance and a listening ear rather than directly seeking to modify the child’s behavior or character.
For the first year, Big Brothers Big Sisters staff maintain monthly contact with the mentor, the youth, and their parent, ensuring a positive mentor-youth match and helping resolve any issues that may arise.
The Impact
Two well-conducted randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving more than 1,000 youths have revealed promising results. Both RCTs found significant reductions in substance use and misconduct over an 18-month period. While the study relied on youth and parent reports, one of the RCTs is ongoing and plans to address limitations by measuring official arrest rates over a four-year follow-up period.
Although there isn’t specific data linking Big Brothers Big Sisters directly to gun violence reduction, such mentorship programs are often integral to community strategies aimed at reducing violence.
The Bigger Picture
Community engagement has been shown to be effective in preventing violence, especially among younger populations. Organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters not only improve the risk of violence but address multiple other risk factors for kids. By working at the grassroots level, these programs foster a sense of belonging among the youth, which is often instrumental in mitigating issues like depression, anxiety, and isolation.
As gun violence continues to be a pressing issue, with far-reaching implications for communities and the nation at large, the role of community-based programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters cannot be overstated. The nurturing environment provided by such programs can be a turning point in the lives of many young individuals.
The annual cost per youth for the Community-Based Mentoring program was estimated at $1,765 in 2019, a small price to pay considering the lifelong impact it can have on a child’s future.
It is through the collective effort of communities, non-profits, and government agencies that the tide of violence can be turned. Programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters stand at the forefront of this movement, illuminating the path toward a safer, more inclusive society.
For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit their website.