"DOs and DON'Ts" for Volunteers Working with Children

This is a basic list of guidelines to help volunteers that are working with children. This list was compiled by Vivian Mann, L.C.S.W., Director of Guidance Clinic and Trauma Response.

1. If a child becomes destructive or uncontrollable:

a. Do call our receptionist to have the parent come handle the situation
b. Don’t put your hands on the child, don’t yell, and don’t block the door if they want to get out

2. If a child or a parent asks you personal questions:

a. Do feel free to answer what you are comfortable with
b. Don’t be afraid to set limits and not answer what you are not comfortable answering
c. Don’t give out information (i.e. your phone number, etc.)

3. If a child refuses to follow directions:

a. Do try to redirect them back to the task
b. Don’t make threats
c. Do give choices and consequences
(i.e. “to stay and work on this project, you have to remain in your chair;
if you get out of your chair again, we’ll have to stop and go back to the waiting room.”)

4. If a child or a parent asks you to buy them something, buy something from them, or to give them money

a. Do tell them that as a volunteer you are not allowed to do that

5. If the parent or child tells you about their personal issues:

a. Do tell them that this sounds like something it would be good to talk to their therapist about
b. Don’t give advice

6. When helping a child with an activity:

a. Do have two volunteers present at all times
b. Don’t ever leave the child unattended