Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fraser Valley was recently granted accreditation, having successfully met the review standards outlined by the national governing body, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada (BBBSC). As a measure to continually ensure maximum child safety and the pursuit of organizational excellence Big Brothers Big Sisters introduced a review process for its member agencies more than twenty-five years ago and has most recently evolved this process into the national Accreditation program. The national accreditation program is conducted by professionally trained reviewers who must complete accreditation training given by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada.

The accreditation certificate is granted upon approval of agency practices in the areas of child safety, service delivery, and organizational excellence. Organizational excellence includes a consultative process with agency volunteers, parents and board members, assurance of sound fiscal management practices, and agency strategic planning.

Each agency within the BBBSC organization is accredited every five years. Agencies also participate in a mid-term evaluation as an interim measure ensuring adherence to national standards.

“It is important to us to know we provide the best and safest mentoring program that we can - for both families and volunteers. Our national standards and the accreditation program including the regular reflection and review that is included help to create that safety. It guides us as governors and our staff in their practice with volunteers and families,” said Daniel Sorensen, board chair.

“This accreditation program is critical as we move forward in our efforts to reach and support more children. The program provides the local agency with the information and assurance they need to know that they are doing a good job and that they are doing the right things,” states Bruce MacDonald, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fraser Valleyhas been operating for 44 years serving 440 children in 2012. It is committed to serving children and youth by supporting quality mentoring relationships between children and volunteers.