NCJ Number
81407
Date Published
1981
Length
88 pages
Annotation
This report evaluates the Big Sisters Program of Greater New Orleans, which has operated since 1975 to match troubled young girls with adult female volunteers, with attention to the program's success in reducing clients' delinquency, improving school grades, and increasing self-esteem.
Abstract
Data for the evaluation (1978 to 1981) were gathered from project records, police records, and interviews with program staff. During the 3 years of operation, 217 potential volunteers applied to be Big Sisters, of whom 160 were accepted and 144 were matched. In the same period, 222 clients applied, 168 were accepted, and 140 were matched. By the third year, processing times to match volunteers with clients had decreased, referrals had increased, training before matches were made had become routine, and staff monitoring of matches had improved. A private fund raiser was hired during the final grant year to obtain funds for continuance of the project. All process goals were met, and the only impact goal not met concerned school grade improvement. Criminal justice contact and absenteeism were reduced and self-esteem scores improved. Recommendations for program improvement and tables are included. The project's packet and a sample training session are appended along with Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale.