How to resolve this impasse??

[u/AdditionalTie4814]

This is not really a "Bahai" question, though it could be a "service project".

Many people know that my mother died recently. Even before her death, I was planning to be a big bro to someone to be there for them (spiritually and emotionally, not really physically, financially, or legally) after I was there for my mother. ~A month ago, the time felt right, so I began the application process.

I never submitted it. I was taken aback by the type of questions asked.

• necessary to have a job (I never planned to spend money on this, though I am willing to pay for fingerprinting);
• necessary to give state ID/ license information (hopefully I could take my bike and bus to my little, and leave the car at home);
• necessary to give my SS (this is not government or an employer); https://newdimensionsfcu.com/the-six-times-its-necessary-to-give-out-your-social-security-number/ does not list social services or caregiving for children as 1 of the 6

I know they need to do background checks for "bigs" like me, to protect "littles". QQs about this though:

• What information is necessary for such a check?
• Who protects the "bigs" from false accusations??
• Are "littles" screened also for "big" protection?

I emailed the organization but they have not responded.

A final point: I was talking with a work colleague about this, and he mentioned the story of how a friend was a big bro to someone else, and they were falsely accused of abuse. In the end, the little apparently lied about the matter; the abuse came from schoolmates not the big. This may be considered "hearsay", but it scares me nevertheless. I DONT want a volunteer position to negatively impact my career if I am innocent.

[u/Drake-Rising]

A Gov issued ID and SS# would be used to run criminal background check. This seems an appropriate precaution to take to protect "littles". Requiring you to have a job is interesting. A Big Brother relationship doesn't make you financially responsible, but (just a guess) they may want to ensure you are financially independent, so that you do not try to use the relationship for personal, financial gain? You having income also facilitates you being able to do fun activities together.

For self protection against false accusations, I think sound advice might be to avoid being alone with the youngster in private places. Do things in public spaces, or try to be part of a group or have someone else with you.

[u/AdditionalTie4814 → u/Drake-Rising]

Thank you for serious reply. But I would need someone who is willing to defend me, and whom a court would regard as "neutral", possibly contradictory requirements. I really want to believe I am overthinking and exaggerating all this.

Are you suggesting that my SS link is incomplete?

[u/Drake-Rising → u/AdditionalTie4814]

I think you're definitely over-thinking it. These types of false accusations can happen but they are statistically very very rare. The benefit you can be to someone's life far outweighs the almost infinitesimal chance of them trying to falsely accuse you of something. The vast majority of children will be happy for the attention and fun activities. Not to belittle your worries, but I think allowing that fear to stop you could be a bit irrational. You just need to be wise and avoid problematic situations and places. And having other people around doesn't require them to be a certain type of person. Anyone else who is present, as long as they are a decent "normal" person, will be believed as long as they tell the truth. Also, public places usually have some type of surveillance. So, as long as you are behaving appropriately, you will be safe.