Transitioning or Closing the Match
As we described before, there is a "Transition" stage in a match where the pattern of activities together may become less frequent. For various reasons such as change in where you or your Little lives, a change in life circumstances, a feeling that you have successfully taken your Little through a critical stage, a change in school the Little is attending, declining interest as the Little grows older, decreasing times that the Big and Little are meeting, or because of challenges in the match, the match can end its regular pattern of meetings.
At the time of transition, BBBS "closes" the file for the match, will no longer provide support, and no longer considers the match "active". We hope that you will stay involved with BBBS and we hope that you might consider taking on another Little. But for the purposes of your original match, BBBS closes the file and won't make its regular contacts with you and your Little to provide match support.
Our goal is to make this time of transition a positive one. You have invested a lot into each other. You want to communicate to your Little your appreciation of him/her and your hope and expectation that he/she will be successful and happy.
A Few Guidelines:
- Never just stop and disappear from the match--this could really have a negative impact on your Little.
- The transition/file closing process gives an opportunity to review the great stuff that happened during the match.
- Your Match Support Specialist will walk you through the process–there are several steps to take which can maximize the positive effects.
- For Littles, a big part of being matched is learning how to end relationships in a positive manner. Their experience with closing the Big Brothers Big Sisters match will provide guidance when it comes to positively ending other relationships in their life.
Transitioning to the Community-Based Program
Oftentimes our School-Based matches will build great friendships in the school environment and will then want to continue their friendship in the community. Talk to your Match Support Specialist if you are interested transitioning with your Little to the Community-Based program.
