Questions
Anything not covered here, email hello@kids4care.org.
Who can volunteer?
High school students in grade 9 and up. A parent or guardian has to give permission by email before you can book a visit.
Does it cost anything?
No. Kids4Care is free for students and for care homes.
How do my hours get counted?
After each visit, staff at the home confirm you came and how long you stayed. Those confirmed hours build into a record you can print from your account, listing every visit, the date, the facility and who confirmed it.
Will my school accept it?
The record names the facility, the dates, the hours and the staff member who confirmed each visit, and carries a reference number your school office can verify with us. That is what most schools ask for. If yours needs a particular form, email us and we will fill it in.
How do I get there?
You arrange your own transport. Search by ZIP code and sort by distance so you can pick somewhere you can reach easily — a lot of students choose a home near their school or on a bus route.
What will I actually do?
Talk, mostly. Cards, board games, reading aloud, listening to music, helping someone video call their family. You will never be asked to help with medication, bathing, dressing or moving anyone — that is staff work.
What if I get nervous or run out of things to say?
Very normal, especially the first time. Staff will introduce you and can suggest who might enjoy company that day. Bringing a deck of cards or a photo to talk about helps more than you would think.
Do I need a background check or a TB test?
Some homes require a short orientation, and some require a TB test, before a first visit. We show that on the home listing and their coordinator will tell you how to arrange it.
Can I volunteer with a friend?
Yes, if the home has more than one place open at that time. Book the same slot separately.
What if I have to cancel?
Cancel through your account as early as you can so someone else can take the place. Residents look forward to these visits, so please do not just skip it.
Can I book the same time every week?
Yes, and residents strongly prefer it. On any time slot choose “Every week” and we will book it out for you.
Parents and guardians
You will get an email asking for permission when your student signs up. It explains what visits involve, what we store, and who sees it. Our privacy page covers the detail — the short version is that we hold a ZIP code, never a home address.