Dates: Some programs are operated daytime, M-F, some 24/7. Schedules are to be arranged through Mary Shish, volunteer coordinator, at (409) 765-7692 ext. 121. Students must volunteer for 20 hours for the semester.

Participation: Open to all students. (The Children's Center requires that students sign a release from INDS for the clearance from their background check to be sent to The Children’s Center prior to participating.)

Description: The Children’s Center operates a total of nine programs, eight on Galveston Island.

1.Case Review & Coordination Group.

2.The Gulf Coast Street Outreach Program

3.Gulf Coast Community Outreach & Assistance Program.

4.The Albertine Yeager Youth Crisis Center.

5.The Galveston Island Family Crisis Center.

6.The Brazoria County Youth Home.

7.The Jameson Center.

8.The Galveston Multicultural Institute.

Activities:

1. Go to the website: www.thechildrenscenterinc.org for a complete description of all programs.

2. Call Volunteer Coordinator for interview. Contact Lodie Massey for release of information to have results of your background check sent to The Children's Center.

3. Schedule appoint with Volunteer Coordinator to discuss assignment and have orientation session.

4. Volunteer at least two hours/week for semester. Sign in each time to document your attendance.

5. Keep a journal of each volunteer experience to assist in writing your essay (See #7). Include what you learned about the physical, emotional and social needs of this population, and their families, the patient’s culture and implications for care. After the first session, just add to your journal any NEW information. Have the supervisor on duty sign you journal each time you report to the facility.

6. Note any positive aspects of, or barriers to, interdisciplinary care.

7. Write an essay summarizing your observations of the professional team, answering the following questions: a.) What disciplines make up the care team; b.) Are there interactions with other health care professionals not physically present at the facility? c.) Under what circumstances would these professions interact with your profession? d.) From your observation, do these professionals operate as an interdisciplinary team? E.) What potential legal and ethical issues do you see for professionals working in programs such as these?

Activity Objectives:

1. Observe the operation of programs for at risk children and their families.

2. Acquire knowledge regarding the special physical, emotional and social needs of the clients and their families utilizing these programs.

3. Develop an understanding of the use of volunteers in programs for at risk children, including the legal and ethical issues involved.