Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) is a one-to-one mentoring program which, rare among the many available in the US, satisfies rigorous published standards and procedures. Its network of nearly 500 agencies across the country typically targets children and young people aged between six 6 and 18 from single parent homes. Case management practice includes orientation and screening of volunteers, comprehensive assessment of young people, supervision and careful matching. Evaluation based on a comparison with non-participating peers showed benefits in relation to drug and alcohol use, antisocial behavior, academic attitudes and performance, and relationships with parents, guardians and peers.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is a Blueprints Model Program and was included in a cost-benefit analysis by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy. The national average cost of making and supporting a match relationship is $1,000 per year.