Center of Hope Protocol for Children / Minors Volunteering

Guidelines for Service by Children, Youth and Family Volunteers

Volunteers are an essential component of the mission of Center of Hope. Our volunteers are critical to the work we do and we value each volunteer as an important member of our team.

This guideline for children and youth volunteers has been established to allow young people opportunities to serve while also considering their safety and the safety and confidentiality of our participants and their families. We appreciate each individual and family who wishes to contribute to the work we do at Center of Hope and ask for understanding and cooperation as we work together to serve our community.

As a general rule, to become a Center of Hope volunteer, one must be at least 18 years of age, attend orientation and complete an application and training period prior to being assigned to a volunteer position. However, for children and youth, the guidelines are as follows:

Youth/Child Volunteers (Below the age of 18)

All volunteers below the age of 18 must be approved and coordinated by the volunteer coordinator and qualify under one of the following guidelines:

School and Youth Groups:  Groups may not work in any area with participants present.  Adult supervision is required at all times and must have a 1:6 ratio of adults to children/youth. 

School Service Hours & Special Projects: Volunteers must be enrolled in high school and may not work in any area with participants present.  Examples are warehouse, The Hope Chest, or other areas assigned by the volunteer coordinator.

In special circumstances, such as the Christmas event, volunteers will be able to work in an area with participants present. 

Adults with children:  Volunteers may not work in any area with participants present.  Children must have their parent, grandparent, or legal guardian present at all times.

Camp Hope: To volunteer at camp, a volunteer must be enrolled in high school.  If volunteering with a group, the group must have adult supervision at all times and must maintain a ratio of 1:6.  Any individual below high school age must enroll in camp as a camp participant.  

Family Serve Days: Several times throughout the year, Center of Hope holds events that are appropriate for children of all ages.  A parent, grandparent, or legal guardian must be present at all times. 

A Center of Hope CEO or Director reserves the right to grant or revoke permission of any guideline stated above. 

Please contact Ana’leah Harmon, our Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteer@centerofhopetx.com or 817-594-0266 ext. 327 with questions.