The Best Intentions: An Examination of Short-Term Service Trips intended to benefit vulnerable children and families
WHY
WHAT WHAT
There is some concern that short-term volunteers pose risks of harm to vulnerable children.
Millions travel annually for these short-term trips, which often involve volunteering with vulnerable children in residential care or orphanages.
The goal of this study was to learn more about pre-trip engagement, in-country activities, and how these impacted preparation and trip experience.
In a study of 353 adults in the USA
Though a prevalent practice, little research exists on how volunteers are prepared and what activities they engage in.
32%
completed NO pre-trip requirements
Community Benefits
95%
Community Concerns
Transfer of skills Positive relationship building Advocacy development interacted with vulnerable Economic growth children on their trip Encouragement to local partners
Volunteer Benefits Cultural exposure Religious engagement University credits Self-development, new skills New relationships
GOAL minimize risks
67%
Child Protection Concerns
said their interactions were unsupervised
Of those who DID have pre-trip requirements:
32% 58%
background checks
maximize benefits
Ethics Sustainability Language barriers Unqualified workers Power differentials
general training
Child safety Risk of maltreatment Disrupted attachment Violations of rights
A significant and growing conclusion among researchers is that shortterm international volunteering in residential care centers is incompatible with promoting the wellbeing of children.
Participants who completed pre-trip requirements felt more prepared and satisfied with their trip.