Richland-Wilkin 509 ½ Dakota Ave Suite 104 Wahpeton, ND 58075 701-672-0303 E-mail: rwkinship@702com.net rwkinship.org Dear Parent(s), I understand you are interested in learning more about the Kinship Program with the possibility of having your child participate in the program. Let me tell you more about it. First of all, the program is very similar to a Big Brother/Big Sister Program where an adult is matched with a child based on their common interests and needs. Any child age 5-16 that would benefit from extra adult support is welcome to participate. The adult who is matched with a child is expected to provide an average of one hour a week of companionship to the child for a commitment of one year. If you wish to have your child participate in the Kinship Program, please complete the enclosed forms. After a careful and thorough selection process of identifying volunteers, I then make a match between your child and a compatible adult based on the information you provided. You and your child will get to meet the adult before the match is made. I then communicate regularly with everyone involved to ensure things are going well. I must caution you that I cannot guarantee an immediate match with your child since making compatible matches depends on the number of volunteers there are. Unfortunately, there are usually more children on our waiting list than there are adults, but I am working hard to recruit volunteers. If you have any questions, please contact me at the number listed on the forms. Please fill out the enclosed forms and return to the above address. Regards, Jeff Bass/Rebekah Christensen Program Coordinators Richland-Wilkin Jeff Bass/Rebekah Christensen 509 ½ Dakota Ave Wahpeton, ND 58075 rwkinship@702com.net rwkinship.org 701-672-0303 Supported by the Wilkin County Governing Board & Children’s Cabinet, Bremer Foundation and United Way of Richland-Wilkin YOUTH APPLICATION Youth Name________________________________________ Birth Date____________ Age______ Youth Email________________________________________________________________________ Parent’s Name ____________________________________________________Phone____________ E-mail ____________________________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________ Employment ______________________________________________________Phone____________ Brothers and Sisters: Name _______________ Age______ Name_______________ Age____ Name _______________ Age ______ Name _______________ Age ____ School _____________________________________________________________________________ Current Needs or Challenges__________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ PARENTS INFORMATION Please answer all questions to the best of your ability. The success of the Kinship Program depends on the SUPPORT OF THE PARENT. 1. How did you learn about Kinship? 2. Were you referred by an individual? If so, who? 3. How do you think your child would benefit from having a mentor? 4. My child is in counseling/treatment_____________ My child has had counseling/treatment __________ Please Explain: 5. What are special needs or interests that a volunteer can help your child with? 6. Are there any issues at home, school, etc. that we should be aware of? 7. Describe your child: (example: quiet, shy, active, etc.) 8. Please check: Are you Married ______ Divorced _______ (how long)_____________ Separated________ Widowed _______ Other ______________ 9. If you are a single parent: (a) Is child’s other parent in the area? _______________________________________ (b) Does the child see his/her other parent? ___________________________________ (c) If so, how often? _____________________________________________________ (d) Do you anticipate any objection from this parent regarding Kinship? ___________________________________________________________________ 10. I do ____ do not _____ give my permission for my child’s picture to be taken and displayed for the promotion of the Kinship program. Kinship is a mentoring program for youth who would benefit from additional adult support. It is not to be used as a babysitting service. With your cooperation and everyone working together, this mentoring program can be a rewarding experience for your child. I UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF THE KINSHIP PROGRAM AND PLEDGE MY SUPPORT IN HELPING THE FRIENDSHIP GROW. I AGREE TO ALLOW MY CHILD TO PARTICIPATE. PARENT’S SIGNATURE __________________________________________________________ Date: __________________________________________________________________________ *We would like a photo of your child if you have one. (Not necessary for application). PLEASE RETURN TO ADDRESS ABOVE Richland-Wilkin Jeff Bass/Rebekah Christensen 509 ½ Dakota Ave Wahpeton, ND 58075 rwkinship@702com.net rwkinship.org 701-672-0303 Supported by the Wilkin County Governing Board & Children’s Cabinet and United Way of Richland-Wilkin (Richland Co., ND & Wilkin Co., MN MEDICAL RELEASE FORM I hereby authorize ________, a mentor for Richland Wilkin Kinship, to secure emergency medical attention for my son/daughter _______________________________________, in the event I cannot be contacted. Our local Doctor: Phone: Address has my permission to release any records that may be needed to treat my son/daughter in an emergency. For emergency purposes, I can be reached at Home Phone: Work Phone: Emergency Contact: Cell #: Phone: Allergies: Drugs which my child should not be administered are: __________________________ Phobias (fears, etc.) Any other pertinent medical information, i.e current medications my son/daughter is taking: If on Medical Assistance/Insurance/HMO, please give number to used Signature Date ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS SURVEY Please circle the activities you enjoy or would like to try. Professional sports College sports High school sports Camping Football Baseball Basketball Track Badminton Soccer Ping Pong Tennis Volleyball Bike Riding Roller Skating Bowling Pool Swimming Wrestling Hockey Figure Skating Cross country skiing Sledding Woodworking Walking Croquet Drawing Fishing Picnicking Boating Canoeing Water Skiing Model Building Carving Video Games Television Movies Museums Concerts Reading Singing Cooking Painting Writing Crafts Dancing Circus Animals Snowmobiling Dolls Talking Art fair State Fair YMCA Playing Cards Music Indoor Games Collections/What Auto Mechanics Animal Tending Horses Gardening Hair/Makeup Auto Racing Handball Golf Other: _________ What are your favorite/special interests or activities? _____________________ ________________________________________________________________ Is there anything you dislike or cannot do? ______________________________ ________________________________________________________________ Is there anything new you have been hoping to learn to do? ________________ ________________________________________________________________ Name _______________________________________ Date ______________