1. “Strength of Relationship” Overview February 2008

2. From What We Do to What we Achieve Focus on Retention Rate Enhance SB practices New outcome measure Implement Strength of Relationship measure Increase Program Impact

3. What is the Strength of Relationship? An evaluation process designed to capture data on relationship qualities that predict strength of relationship between Big and Little Littles’Survey: coping, disappointment, safety, importance, and closeness Bigs’Survey: connectedness, frustration, confidence, and closeness Tested for validity and reliability Designed and used by leading researchers in youth development field BBBS pilot experience

4. Benefits of Strength of Relationship New data for monitoring the quality of each match relationship, New info on what your program is achieving in its efforts to nurture strong relationships, Insights into which program elements are effective and which are not, and New benchmarks for measuring changes in the quality of your matches over time as you modify program practices, etc.

5. Administering the SOR… When?Community Based 3 months from Match Date annual match anniversary School Based 3 months from Match Date end of school year (EOSY) To Whom? All Bigs All Littles over age of 8+

6. SOR Highlights… AIM functionality in late March 2008 SOR administered by Match Support Specialists SOR data will provide information at 3 month and annual/year-end points – on Big, Little, and match BBBSA implementation goal = all agencies using SOR by year-end 2008

7. Our Agency’s SOR Implementation Plan:

8. Possible / Expected Program Implications? More time spent conducting quality match support Different use of Red/Yellow/Green system in AIM New/different training for ongoing staff development related to relationship building skills Others?

9. What’s Next from BBBSA? 1.Self-paced online course SD00119 “AIM Strength of Relationships (SOR) Tool” ready with AIM release in mid/late March 2.Stage II webinar on “Performance Management with SOR” – scheduled for after AIM release 3.National conference workshop: “Early Lessons in SOR Implementation”

10. Questions?